West Lothian-based social enterprise boosted by four-figure donation

The Ootsider, which makes all weather coats, will see 25 of the garments donated to Glasgow’s homeless community.

West Lothian-based social enterprise The Ootsider, which makes all weather coats, has been boosted by a four-figure donation which will see 25 of the garments donated to Glasgow’s homeless community.

Since being founded by local man John Keogh in 2022, the customised outdoor coats and changing robes have been popular with the likes of wild swimmers, campers, equestrian enthusiasts and hill walkers.

These convert from a coat and bag during the day to a sleeping bag at night to keep the wearer warm and dry even in the worst conditions.

The range now also includes wheelchair coats and specialist Parkinson’s jackets.

The Community Interest Company (CIC) ploughs profits from sales into the production and subsequent donation of sleeping coats for the UK’s homeless and rough sleepers, with to date more than 400 coats having been given free of charge to those most in need.

Thanks to the anonymous donation of £4000, a further 25 will now be manufactured and distributed to those sleeping rough on the streets in Glasgow

Welcoming the unexpected gesture, The Ootsider chief executive John Keogh said: “There is more and more pressure being put on temporary accommodation and night shelters in Glasgow.

“As the homelessness crisis continues to grow in the city, it’s important to know there are incredible people out there.

Many of these people do good but want absolutely no recognition for it. They do it because it’s the right thing to do.

“We were honoured to be approached to supply our sleeping coats to help rough sleepers. It’s an incredible and humbling gesture.”

The coats will be made at the company’s new manufacturing base in Pumpherston having previously been made in Dumfries.

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