Mercat Tours Launches Social Impact Project Which Supports Vulnerable People in Edinburgh Through Storytelling

Mercat Tours has today, Thursday, 28 April, launched ‘Our Stories, Your City’, a new, unique collaboration of visitor attractions which offers Edinburgh’s visitors an award-winning, five-star walking tour at the same time as supporting some of Edinburgh’s most vulnerable people – a mutual and equal benefit to all.

The Tourism Leadership & Recovery Fund awarded Mercat Tours a grant last year, as part of the £25 million Scottish Tourism Leadership Programme (see notes to editors). The partnership has developed a digital solution for Edinburgh’s visitors to connect with Edinburgh on tour, and also have a positive impact and help the city’s vulnerable community – creating a bond between visitors, Grassmarket Community Project (GCP) members and their city.

2022 is VisitScotland’s Year of Stories and our project uses the power of stories to deepen connections between people, place and the past, now and in the future.

When buying their own tour, visitors can choose fast-track entry and a tour of either/or/all Edinburgh Castle, National Museum of Scotland, Palace of Holyroodhouse, Gladstone’s Land and The Georgian House.

Visitors will be encouraged to donate money towards the GCP members’ to enjoy the same five-star tour, helping them reconnect with their stories and their city.  This project makes connections, removes barriers and invites visitors to gift five-star cultural experiences to Edinburgh’s vulnerable community, all through the human craft of storytelling.

Kat Brogan, managing director of Mercat Tours said: “We have long supported the Grassmarket Community, an organisation which creates a family-like community to provide sanctuary and support to people dealing with multiple complex issues.  We saw a great opportunity for Mercat visitors to get involved in helping Edinburgh’s local vulnerable community.

“Stories are powerful. They make connections between people, places and the past. Stories ground us. Sadly, some people have lost that connection. Vulnerable people can feel excluded from their city and their past. They live here, but it’s not theirs.

“Being cut off from their culture holds them back. Their confidence and a sense of ‘home’ need rebuilt. Stories are powerful, and help heal. That’s why this project will make a real impact.

“Thank you to our funders, Scottish Enterprise, for believing this important project could have a positive impact on the society in which we live and work.”

Jonny Kinross, ceo of the Grassmarket Community Project, outlined the support it provides: “Through social enterprise, mentoring, education and support in a nurturing environment, the project creates opportunities for those furthest from mainstream education and employment opportunities. Individuals develop skills and confidence, reconnect with themselves and their community, and improve their overall health and wellbeing

“The complex issues that people bring to the Grassmarket Community could be applicable to anyone, from anywhere.”

Support a local community organisation which helps create an inclusive people-centred environment where people feel empowered to develop skills, build positive relationships and enjoy an ongoing sense of belonging. Members of the Grassmarket Community will show that everyone can become a tourist in their own city, with your support.

Thanks to Euan’s Guide for reviewing all tours and providing invaluable advice to ensure they are as inclusive as possible.

​​Karen Craib, Tourism Project Manager at Scottish Enterprise, finished: “Tourism is a key sector for Scotland’s economy and as one of the 10 successful applicants to the Scottish Government funded Tourism & Leadership Recovery Fund, Scottish Enterprise is delighted to support this innovative project.

“Mercat Tours and its partners have worked together through a very challenging time for the tourism industry to develop this initiative which will not only help support the recovery of their businesses, but also support community recovery through a ‘pay it forward’ option.”

-ENDS-

Notes to editors:

• Image caption: Pictured left to right – Karen Craib of Scottish Enterprise, Kat Brogan of Mercat Tours and Jonny Kinross of Grassmarket Community Project, launch ‘pay it forward’ initiative, Our Stories, Your City, which helps tourism recovery in Edinburgh and supports the local community through connecting people, places and the past.
• Project video https://youtu.be/sb1Cjfqy9ks
• Interviews available on request .
• Visit www.mercattours.com for further tour information.

• Adult tour tickets start from £20 plus whatever donation is made to Grassmarket Community Project.

• Catch up on the history of Mercat Tours! (Video series)

• Part one
• Part two
• Part three

• Mercat Tours features in Visit Scotland’s podcast series Tour Guide Tales.

• Mercat Tours is supporting the #ForeverEdinburgh recovery campaign.

• Mercat Tours is a Living Wage and Scottish Pledge employer and proud to recruit passionate and creative individuals to its world-renowned team.
• VisitScotland five-star awarded tour company since 2006 (92% grading 2019).
• Awarded Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year 2019.
• The team benefits from a profit-share bonus scheme which is called the “Mercat Deal”.
• The Green Tourism Business Scheme awarded Mercat Tours Gold status in recognition of its commitment to social, environmental and economic sustainability in business practice.
• Mercat Tours is part of the Bike2Work scheme, promoting healthier lifestyles and sustainable transport for our employees.
• Mercat is committed to supporting local charities and social organisations – from fundraising for Cancer Research to donating time to carry out conservation work at Holyrood Park. It works closely with and is a member of Edinburgh World Heritage, donating skills, expertise, equipment and services to enhance the future enjoyment of the city.
• Mercat is an active member of Old Town Community Council.
• About Scottish Enterprise: Scottish Enterprise is Scotland’s national economic development agency. We’re committed to growing the Scottish economy for the benefit of all, helping create more quality jobs and a brighter future for every region.