Union Direct

We managed to wrangle (most) of the epic UD team into a photo! The dream team 🙌

Another favourite walking spot: the Water of Leith Walkway. Described as "a silver thread in a ribbon of green", it stretches for 13 miles, winding through some of Edinburgh's most scenic sites – including the Union House's back door of course. From wildlife (herons in Bonnington anyone?) to art in the wild (the haunting Gormley statues), there's a delightful surprise to unpack at every corner. Top tip: don't miss the farmers' market on Saunders Street, just next to the water, every Sunday 10am-4pm.
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Buckle up for an emotional ride for this week’s Friday Fanclub. Senior Account Manager Pam Craig introduces us to Henry Fraser’s incredible story.

“At the age of 17 Henry Fraser was on holiday with friends and hit his head diving into the sea. He crushed his spinal cord and became paralysed from the shoulders down – a young talented sportsman with his whole life ahead of him.

His first book ‘The Big Little Things’ sees him share the days, weeks, months after the accident from his point of view, as well as from his parents’ and friends’ coming to terms.

There are so many reasons he inspires me. After the accident, he dealt with pneumonia, MRSA septicaemia, no heartbeat, friends coming, friends going, yet he never fails to look at the positives of life and the hand he has been dealt.

Not only that, but he is an amazing artist, who can only use his mouth to paint. He’s also a very active campaigner for disability/accessibility. And while everyone has a lockdown story to tell, Henry wasn’t able to leave his house for 6 months – it makes you grateful for even the smallest things that we should never take for granted.

Reading his book never fails to make to stop, think and reset. Life is short and we should be thankful for the things we have.”

This week, is leading the Friday Fanclub for British-Indian poet

“I discovered Nikita Gill a few years ago through her TED Talk, ‘Why I’d rather be the Wicked Witch than Snow White’, which really struck a chord with me.

In her work, she takes female characters from fairytales and lore, who are often cast as the villain, and turns the narrative on its head with a new feminist twist. Think Little Red Riding Hood being the gang leader of the wolves. She’s epic.

Her writing is bold yet beautiful. She tackles issues that predominantly impact women, bringing them to life in a way that isn’t preachy or condescending.

Her poetry novels are illustrated beautifully (and displayed on my coffee table). She manages to put into words so effortlessly the adversity that so many of us face, yet make it feel unifying and uplifting.”