How funkiest charity shop in Edinburgh is helping homeless
The Bothy Boutique in central Edinburgh is the retail arm of The Breakfast Bothy, a small grassroots charity supporting people in the community who are experiencing homelessness.
Article Source: The Bothy Boutique
Last Updated: 26 June 2025 13:43
With its brightly painted shop front and a neon light reading “sunshine in a bag”, it would be easy to forget that The Bothy Boutique in central Edinburgh has a serious mission behind its sunny facade.
Opened last summer in the trendy suburb of Marchmont, The Bothy Boutique has become a favourite shopping destination for curated second-hand gems and affordable prices in a funky and vibrant atmosphere. In the past month alone, manager Tim Fidelo has noticed a surge in locals and tourists alike flocking to the shop which some shoppers have dubbed “the funkiest charity shop in Edinburgh”. Among the standout finds is a Burberry runway piece, a delicate lace top from a summer collection 10 years ago, that’s currently in store and valued at over £300.
What customers might not know is that The Bothy Boutique is the retail arm of The Breakfast Bothy, a small grassroots charity supporting people in the community who are experiencing homelessness. With every purchase at the shop, profits go directly towards hot meals, funding a community token scheme, and providing tailored help to people in need.
The Breakfast Bothy serves an average of 40 guests per day from a former police box on the corner of Marchmont Road and The Meadows. Like The Bothy Boutique, you can’t miss The Breakfast Bothy for its iconic bright red and yellow paint and sunshine logo.
In addition to support provided in-store and from the policebox, the team also operates a token scheme in partnership with local businesses which covers the costs of haircuts, laundry services and bike repairs for guests in need. They recently helped set up a community foodshare and a fully operational recording studio at the nearby Pavilion Cafe, and have partnered with social enterprise The Ootsider to distribute warm jackets to rough sleepers.
Former guest at The Breakfast Bothy and now employee, Sawnie says: “It’s always awesome to see new faces at The Breakfast Bothy because it means the word is spreading about the support we provide, but ideally we’d have no guests at all because homelessness wouldn’t be an issue. Unfortunately that’s just not the reality, especially as we come into the Fringe, where many people living in temporary accommodation are displaced to make way for visitors every year. We’re here to help where we can with great coffee, a chat, and support for whatever they need.”
The charity is part of the umbrella company Carlowrie Group, led by Andrew Marshall and which has a long history of charitable initiatives. Over 15 years ago, Mr Marshall opened his first homelessness charity, RESTART Lives, in London, which is still a core part of Carlowrie Group today. The Breakfast Bothy was founded during the 2020 lockdown, in response to the difficulties society faced with loneliness, isolation, and housing insecurity, and is supported by the businesses in the group, including Carlowrie Castle, Edinburgh Street Food, and Innovative Partners.
Mr Marshall says: “The number of people experiencing homelessness in Scotland is shocking, with recent statistics showing the highest recorded numbers of people experiencing homelessness since 2011, and still increasing. At The Breakfast Bothy we do as much as we can to support our guests throughout various difficulties they face but we’re constantly reminded that more needs to be done to look out for people in need.”
In 2025, The Breakfast Bothy is looking to expand their services further, with plans to hire additional support staff and partner with more service providers. To help fund their plans, they urge shoppers to purchase their next outfit, household item or table top game from The Bothy Boutique or make a donation via their website: www.thebreakfastbothy.com.
Corporate funding opportunities are also welcomed.
Sponsored Links
Latest Edinburgh News
National Galleries of Scotland reveals original plans for swimming baths under the building
Marking 175 years since Prince Albert laid the foundation stone of the National on 30 August 1850, the National Galleries of Scotland has shared its fascinating original building plans.
READ MORE
Cineworld announces first ever Big Screen Weekend
Cineworld's Big Screen Weekend is here! Turning the last weekend of summer into the UK's biggest celebration of cinema, with all films, all formats – for just £4, including booking fee.
READ MORE
Edinburghs Hogmanay announces 2025 headliner
Organisers of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay have announced indie-rock outfit Wet Leg as 2025’s Concert in the Gardens headliners.
READ MORE
Two Edinburgh based artists chosen for first residency at the Palace of Holyroodhouse
Royal Collection Trust is today announcing an artist residency for the upcoming major exhibition Drawing the Italian Renaissance at The King’s Gallery.
READ MORE
Best Croissant Competition returns for 2025
The Edinburgh Butter Company has announced the return of its ‘Scotland’s Best Croissant’ competition on Monday 13th October.
READ MORE
Conifox Adventure Park Ultimate Halloween Festival returns
Conifox Adventure Park has announced the return of Edinburgh’s Ultimate Halloween Festival with the UK’s first-ever Laser Show over a Pumpkin Patch.
READ MORE
One Week To Go: Lammermuir Festival 2025
The Lammermuir Festival opens on Thursday 4th September in the beautiful, historic county of East Lothian, offering wonderful music played by some of the world’s finest musicians!
READ MORE
Myths and Legends come alive under the Royal Mile in Edinburgh
This September, step beneath the Royal Mile and into a world where history and folklore entwine, as The Real Mary King’s Close unveils its brand-new “Myths and Legends Tour”.
READ MORE
Free wedding cake competition launched in Edinburgh
Ben & Jerry's will be selecting a lucky couple tying the knot this September to receive the ultimate Brookies & Cream Sundae tower for their wedding.
READ MORE
COSMO Edinburgh Wins Buffet Restaurant of the Year at the Food Awards Scotland 2025
COSMO Edinburgh has been crowned ‘Buffet Restaurant of the Year’ at the prestigious Food Awards Scotland 2025!
READ MORE
Edinburgh Bar Awards Announces 2025 Longlist with 150 Nominees
The one-month countdown is officially on for one of the biggest nights in Scotland’s hospitality calendar - the Edinburgh Bar Awards 2025, as the longlist of nominees is revealed.
READ MORE
Historic Environment Scotland launches Talking About Heritage
People across Scotland invited to take part in national conversation about heritage.
READ MORE
Livingston Designer Outlet announces exciting new food hall deli and tasting bar
Livingston Designer Outlet, Scotland’s largest designer outlet, is thrilled to announce that bold new culinary destination, Hamilton & Brown, will be arriving at the centre this autumn.
READ MORE
Morningside community venue raises hundreds of pounds for Edinburgh pet charity
McLarens on the Corner has raised £600 for the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, as part of its latest fundraising event.
READ MORE
Edinburgh International Festival sees Fullest Theatres and Concert Halls in more than a Decade
The 2025 Edinburgh International Festival concluded yesterday after an extraordinary three-week celebration of opera, dance, music and theatre in Scotland’s capital.
READ MORE
Edinburgh International Book Festival celebrates success in new home
Edinburgh International Book Festival has wrapped up a landmark year, celebrating a two-week long ‘Repair’ themed programme of events for all ages and interests in it's new home.
READ MORE
Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) 2025 draws to a close
Edinburgh International Film Festival 2025 draws to a close and continues to scale up, building creative in-roads with filmmakers and industry.
READ MORE
Tickets now on sale for The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo closes the drawbridge on its 75th anniversary Show, as tickets for next year go on sale.
READ MORE
OAPs get on the oars to back Scots bros rowing the Pacific
RESIDENTS living in an Edinburgh care home are throwing their weight behind three Scottish brothers as they close in on a world record-breaking row across the Pacific Ocean.
READ MORE
Week 3 winners of the 2025 Besties announced
The Skinny and Fest, Capital Theatres and Premier Scotland are delighted to announce the winners of The Besties awards week three!
READ MORE
Kevin Quantum Stages Community Show Following Fringe Success
Edinburgh-based international magician Kevin Quantum is offering cut-price tickets for a special performance in Granton of his hit Fringe show.
READ MORE
Free Cake Giveaway as Cake Box opens new Edinburgh Store
CAKE lovers in Edinburgh can enjoy a free slice this Saturday 23rd August, as Cake Box opens its new store on St John's Road, Corstorphine.
READ MORE
Madeleine Brettingham wins prestigious comedy newcomer competition
Madeleine Brettingham has been announced as winner of the 38th edition of So You Think You’re Funny? - the UK’s most prestigious comedy newcomer competition.
READ MORE
Bluey Casting Announced
Live stage show Bluey’s Big Play, featuring Bluey, Bingo, Mum, and Dad and a talented company of actors and puppeteers, has announced its cast for the Olivier Award-nominated production.
READ MORE
Book Now for Lammermuir Festival 2025
The Lammermuir Festival offers audiences a richly immersive experience whether they be new to classical music or life-long fans.
READ MORE
Friendship on the Menu as Vegan Lunch Club Turns One
Hendersons, in collaboration with charity V for Life, is delighted to mark the one-year anniversary of its monthly lunch club for older vegans and vegetarians.
READ MORE
Edinburgh International Film Festival announces 2025 Competition Winners
Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) has announced the winners of its prize for feature filmmaking and its prize for short filmmaking.
READ MORE
Primark celebrates 50 years in Scotland with a wee nod to loyal Scots in all stores today
Scottish shoppers will hardly believe it when they see it today as Primark finally relents on one of its biggest brand debates after 50 years.
READ MORE
Christmas at Crieff Hydro returns with magical line up of festive activities
Scotland's best loved family resort, Crieff Hydro, has unveiled details of a specially curated programme of events as it prepares to welcome guests over the festive period.
READ MORE
Scots Language Awards 2025 shortlist unveiled
The shortlist for the Scots Language Awards 2025 has been unveiled, with figures from Scottish literature, theatre, education and business all in the running for awards at the annual ceremony.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links