Portobello Apple Finds a New Home at Gilmerton House

Exciting news is brewing—or rather, juicing—here in East Lothian. Portobello Apple, a remarkable initiative dedicated to transforming unwanted apples and pears into delicious juice for charity, has found a new home at the historic Gilmerton House. With East Lothian Council giving the green light to their expansion, the future looks bright for this sustainability-driven venture.

For over a decade, Portobello Apple has been on a mission to combat food waste while supporting charitable causes. By collecting surplus apples and pears from across the Lothians, the organisation has turned what would be waste into a profitable and environmentally responsible product. The initiative has already donated £10,000 to local, Scottish, and international charities with environmental and humanitarian goals, proving that small changes can have a significant impact.

As demand for their juice continues to grow, Portobello Apple needed larger premises with better facilities. Gilmerton House, a stunning Georgian exclusive-use property near Athelstaneford, emerged as the ideal location. With planning approval secured, the company will soon repurpose three second-hand sea containers into a state-of-the-art food production unit on the estate's former Ministry of Defence campsite, a hub already housing several small businesses.

Gilmerton House’s Walled Garden

This move is more than just a relocation—it marks a partnership rooted in shared values. The estate manager and trustee of Gilmerton House emphasized how Portobello Apple aligns with their vision for sustainability and local enterprise. "Portobello Apple is the exact type of tenant that we want to attract," the supporting statement reads. "They will be key in drawing like-minded businesses and producers to create an amazing community at the camp."

Portobello Apple’s mission is more relevant than ever. In a world where vast quantities of local fruit go to waste while supermarkets stock juice from concentrate imported from thousands of miles away, their approach presents a refreshing alternative. Their supporting statement passionately calls out the problem: "While millions of apples and pears go unwanted and rotting in the Lothians, consumers blithely buy sub-standard juice from concentrate and fruit from as far afield as New Zealand. It is an environmental travesty and a national embarrassment."

By championing a circular economy and reducing carbon emissions, Portobello Apple is proving that community-driven food production is not only possible but essential for the planet’s future.

Looking Ahead

This five-year agreement marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter. With increased space and improved equipment, Portobello Apple will be able to scale up its operations, reduce waste, and provide high-quality, locally produced juice. Even better, Gilmerton House will integrate this product into their offerings—sharing it with guests who increasingly seek sustainable, locally sourced food and drink.

This partnership is a win-win for both Portobello Apple and Gilmerton House. It exemplifies how businesses can work together to make a positive impact on the environment and the community. With juice set to flow in abundance, the future looks bright—and delicious—for Portobello Apple, Gilmerton House and East Lothian as a whole. If you have any apple trees and are looking for a purpose for its fruit later this year, consider Portobello Apple.