Offering support groups and awareness programmes to the homeless and those suffering from addiction. Steps to Hope are an Edinburgh based organisation that is committed to bettering one of the most common social problems we face today.

Steps to Hope and Lochcarron

Founder and Operations Manager of Steps to Hope Richard Roncero watching the Steps to Hope tartan weave at Lochcarron of Scotland.

 

This collection was launched on the 10th October 2021 for World's Homeless Day.  Lochcarron of Scotland makes a charitable contribution to 'STEPS TO HOPE' SCIO which is a non profit charity dedicated to caring for the homeless and those suffering from addiction. Members of their staff have experienced the process of recovery, creating a welcoming and understanding environment for all.  Providing warm clothes, food and shelter, the volunteers make a weekly appearance on the streets of Edinburgh. Regardless, the team go above and beyond when it comes to tackling this social problem that grows year on year.

Our Tartan Design Service

CAD print out of the Steps to Hope Tartan that was designed in house.

Firstly, using our Tartan Design Service here at Lochcarron of Scotland, our skilled in-house design team began the design process of this new tartan. Inspired by the Edinburgh and Musselburgh tartan, which are woven and sold at Lochcarron, the design started to come together.

In other words, using vibrant colours and a nod to Saltire, a truly unique and contemporary tartan has been made. The Steps to Hope Tartan has been converted into scarves and rugs, which are available to buy on our website.

In fact, you can find out more about the Tartan Design Service at Lochcarron of Scotland on our website: www.lochcarron.co.uk/tartan-design-service

Weaving the Steps to Hope Tartan

Secondly, skilled craftsmen and women at Lochcarron of Scotland soon got to work on bringing this tartan to life. This cloth has passed through the hands of many skilled individuals. From dyeing the yarn to finishing, these people all played a part in developing this special tartan.

Freshly dyed and 'whizzed' cones of yarn ready for drying in our very own dyehouse at Lochcarron of Scotland.
A cross is made in the warp to ensure all threads are in the correct order for weaving. The warp is then knotted into the loom and prepared for weaving.
Brushed lambswool scarves are being woven in our mill at Lochcarron of Scotland.
The tartan fresh off the loom and in the hands of our skilled, in-house darners.
Our in-house kilt makers securing the pleats in the Steps to Hope traditional heavy weight kilt.

Immerse yourself into all things tartan with a closer look into our production process. Our virtual mill tour allows you to see the behind the scenes of our products from the comfort of your own home. Or come and visit our Lochcarron Visitor Centre in Selkirk, Scottish Borders where you can go on a tour around our authentic Scottish mill with one of our knowledgeable guides and observe our process of turning yarn into woven tartan cloth first-hand. 

The design was launched on the 10th of October 2021 for World Homeless Day. The unique and contemporary tartan will be available to buy on our website in lambswool scarves and blankets. Furthermore, your purchase will donate 10% of proceeds to Steps to Hope!

The Steps to Hope Tartan modelled by Richard, his daughter and Callum Beattie at Edinburgh Castle.

A Little More about Steps to Hope

In short, the organisation offer support groups and awareness programmes to support the homeless and those suffering from addiction. Members of their staff have experienced the process of recovery, creating a welcoming and understanding environment for all.

Providing warm clothes, food and shelter, the volunteers make a weekly appearance on the streets of Edinburgh. The team go above and beyond when it comes to tackling this social problem that grows year on year.

Their activity on Facebook and social media has allowed the charity to grow a following of dedicated individuals. Follow Steps to Hope on their social media channels to stay up to date with their events in the future.

Meanwhile discover more about this organisation via their website: www.stepstohope.co.uk/

The Soup Kitchen

On Monday the 13th of September 2021, two members of the Lochcarron of Scotland team volunteered at the Steps to Hope Soup Kitchen.

Held at St. Cuthberts Church in Edinburgh every Sunday and Monday, our team soon go to work and gave a helping hand. Serving a three course meal alongside hot and cold refreshments, it was a great way for us to get an insight into some of the amazing work Steps to Hope carries out.

Alongside the team at Steps to Hope providing food and drink, local businesses and organisations also showed their continued dedication to Steps to Hope. Find out more about these incredible businesses via their website:

Pizza Geeks - Pizza Geeks | Edinburgh | Pizzeria

Roots Edinburgh - Roots Edinburgh – Where food doesn't cost the earth

MCS Group Edinburgh  - Windows Cleaning Company in Edinburgh | Mac Cleaning Services 

Callum Beattie

Scottish singer-songwriter Callum Beattie (@callumbeatieofficial) is a good friend of the charity's, showing his support by interacting with the group and getting involved in fundraiser events. Callum has taken part in soup kitchens, presenting keyrings and medals as well as providing entertainment performing some of his top hits.

World Homeless Day

Firstly, a discussion emerged between people who were working to respond to the social issue of homelessness. This sparked the idea of World Homeless Day.

The day highlights what your community can do to take the correct steps and lessen the global issue of homelessness.

The first step to tackling homelessness is understanding how you can make a difference. World Homeless Day does exactly that. Likewise, the day celebrates local services, encouraging donations to local service providers and of course thanking volunteers.

Above all, use World Homeless Day to make a significant difference in your local community. Schools, places of worship, local business and clubs will host events to raise money for charities like Steps to Hope. The day helps minimize the matter all countries face in today’s world.

During the pandemic, the importance and safety of having a home has been demonstrated. With this in mind, what is possible when we collaborate as a community and provide support to those in need?

8 Weeks 8 Cities Sleep Rough Campaign

Starting on the 5th of December 2023, founder and director Richard Roncero slept rough on the streets for 8 weeks in 8 different cities, with only a sleeping bag and his phone to document the process. The aim of the campaign was to raise awareness of homelessness, addiction and the significance of services provided by organisations like Steps to Hope as well as fundraising to help support the work they do and enable them to initiate their new recovery programme Hope House. We would like to congratulate to Ritchie for completing this challenge on the 3rd of February 2024. Have a look at Steps To Hope's social media where Ritchie shared his experience throughout this campaign. 

They are still accepting donations for this campaign. To show your support please visit Steps To Hope's JustGiving page.