Next meeting of The Outsiders networking group: Friday 29 November

The Outsiders, an outdoor 'adventure' networking group was created by Katie Paterson, a freelance communications consultant.

The idea for the group emerged after Katie took to LinkedIn to share her frustration about not getting outdoors enough during the working week. The post was seen by 13,000 people and she received many messages from people who felt the same.

So, she set up The Outsiders, which takes the form of free, walking ‘meet-ups’ for freelancers, small-business owners and flexi-workers, enabling them to get outdoors and connect with like-minded people.

Describing the format, Katie says: “We keep the structure informal – so at the start we’ll split into smaller groups, introduce ourselves and share something great that’s happened recently, instead having to do a one minute pitch. Then we simply walk and talk.”

The first Outsiders event took place in January 2024, and they now run monthly on a Friday, between 10am and noon.  The next meeting is on Friday 29 November, when the group's walk will follow the Water of Leith to the Colinton Tunnel.

Other areas where the group have walked so far include Holyrood Park; The Hermitage and Blackford Hill; the River Almond; Cramond Island; Musselburgh Lagoons, Dr Neil’s Garden in Duddingston; and Harlaw Reservoir. 

Katie says: “The Outsiders is way more than a networking event; it’s a community. If you come along, you're invited to our WhatsApp group, where people share information and inspiration about stuff they’re doing out and about in Edinburgh – it’s active, supportive and such a positive group.”

The event on 29 November starts from the visitor’s centre in Slateford.  Children, dogs and friends are welcome to come along on the walk too

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Image: Bradley Salt