This blog was kindly written and shared by Angela Casey, creator of the Edinburgh Outdoors Podcast, about her experience of finding The Outsiders.
For many people, working for yourself can feel like a liberation. No distractions, annoying colleagues, endless internal meetings, or office politics – it can be genuinely refreshing.
For others, however, it can be a real struggle: working without a support network, no one to sanity‑check ideas with, no help on hand, and no one to ask the ‘stupid’ questions.
Home working can also mean days without ever going outside. Yet the outdoors is a rewarding and inspiring place, and stepping away from your desk for fresh air and movement can be incredibly invigorating.
I’m not a natural solo worker, and switching from an office environment after years of teamworking felt strange. That’s when the Outsiders stepped in.
I found the group through a recommendation and, with some trepidation, headed to my first meetup expecting awkwardness. There was none. Other newcomers were there too, and everyone was immediately welcoming and positive. People naturally strike up conversations, and the format encourages us all to move around and talk to each other, often with a prompt question to get things flowing.
With a kick-off session at each walk – where we introduce ourselves and share a recent ‘win’ – no one is ignored or left behind.
Walking and talking outdoors is such a natural way to connect, and it makes networking feel refreshingly different.
There are no name badges, no cold cups of coffee, and no awkward silences. Conversation often turns to business, but not always. Sometimes we catch up with people we already know; just as often, we meet new faces and discover unexpected connections.
There are many great examples of Outsider members who have gone on to collaborate on projects and businesses. People openly share and support one another with skills and perspectives that enrich the community.
We all work together in a positive, supportive way to make the experience meaningful for everyone who comes along.
Over time, as we’ve learned and evolved, the group has developed a Community Code of Collaboration that underpins everything we do. It centres on kindness, fun, simplicity, connection, and gentle ambition. We’re reminded of these values at the start of each meet‑up, and they shape how we show up for one another.
We’re quick to support anyone who may be new or unfamiliar with the ethos, ensuring everyone feels included.
Kindness is the most important of all. We all want to feel welcomed, supported, and truly listened to. As we move into 2026 and another year of the Outsiders, this matters more than ever. Together, we’ll continue to welcome new attendees and support one another along the way.
If you’re thinking about joining the Outsiders, new faces are always welcome. It’s the blend of a strong core group and fresh perspectives that gives the community its character and brilliance.
The outdoors is good for us all – so in 2026, spend more time outside, in good company.
Head to the Homepage to find out more about upcoming events, and to get involved!
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