The Outsiders
The Outsiders, the most healthy and friendly community for freelancers and solopreneurs in Edinburgh, are getting each month outdoors creating genuine connections while boosting their well-being. Initiated and led by Katie Paterson, this unique networking group grew to 450 members, hosting excursions across scenic spots like Arthur’s Seat, Musselburgh Lagoons, Cramond Island, and the Pentland Hills.
Q: Why the great outdoors Katie?
It’s really dark in winter in Scotland, and one Wednesday afternoon in January 2024, I had a bit of an epiphany. When I started work, it was dark. And when I finished work, it was dark. I am super outdoorsy in my “leisure time”. I am outdoors almost 100% of the time when I’m not working, and yet there I was: glued to my screen for the whole working day. So if I didn’t get outdoors in the work day, there was a good portion of the winter where I wasn’t seeing the light of day. I found myself feeling confused about this disconnect in my life. I put my laptop away, and I climbed Calton Hill. It’s one of my favourite views across Edinburgh. I had a flask of tea, gloves, and thermal tights, and I sat for 20 minutes processing my thoughts. In that moment, I realised the power of a change of scenery, of getting away from my desk, and getting out into the fresh air. I posted about it on LinkedIn and 15,000 people saw it - lots of people got in touch to say they felt the same. I knew I needed to do something about it. So I set up The Outsiders, and arranged the first excursion for the final Friday of January. There were six of us that first time, and the group has grown massively since then to now around 35 at each meet-up. I heard a great quote recently: “No one ever called it the great indoors” - and it really made me laugh. But it’s true. The most visceral, brilliant moments in my life were outdoors. I do my best thinking when I’m under the big sky, I feel free, light and unconfined by walls and screens. And I know I’m not alone!
Please meet Katie
Q: How did these outdoor experiences enhance networking amongst the community members?
I’ve been blown away by how being outdoors helps foster really deep connections between people in our community, and I think this is for a number of reasons. Firstly, being outdoors is an incredible leveler. You don’t have to think about what you’re wearing, there’s no status or hierarchy, we’re all there, together, enjoying the beauty of the world around us. Walking side-by-side takes the pressure off eye contact, and means that natural conversation seems to flow easier. People seem to talk about all sorts - business, life, family, hobbies - so they naturally find personal points of connection. The open air means the sound doesn’t reverberate and you don’t find yourself shouting to be heard above the noise. Some of our members are neurodiverse, and find highly stimulating environments overwhelming. The outdoors calms the nervous system, and creates a more accessible opportunity for people to network.
One member even told me “this is the first networking event I’ve been to in 20 years that I didn’t hide in the bathroom”. I jokingly asked if that’s because there wasn't a bathroom, but she assured me that the environment made her feel much safer than formal networking events. Another member described the events as “the most natural way to do business” and I think this captures it perfectly. People have found clients and collaborations, but without feeling like they’re in “sales mode”. We also make a point of going to a variety of interesting and beautiful nature spots across the city. This means each excursion feels like a mini adventure. We’re lucky that 49% of Edinburgh is green space, and The Outsiders is a great way for people to explore places they’ve never been before.
Q: Networking is an essential part of freelance life. On June 12, as you also marked Outdoor Office Day, the focus wasn’t just on meeting others. It was also about exploring how to weave more time outdoors into the work week. What are your thoughts on making that happen?
We had a fantastic day together exploring the things that get in the way of us getting outdoors, and how to weave more time outdoors into our work week. Openness and honesty was key, as people analysed what was stopping them. There were so many reasons - from not prioritising time outdoors over “productive” work time, to not wanting to see people, to laziness and the unpredictable Scottish weather. Being clear on what is stopping us individually is key to designing solutions that will help us individually. The community also came up with some amazing ideas to get outdoors more too - from outdoor accountability buddies, to thinking about what work could be done outdoors, to developing habits and having the right kit.
Mindset also came up. We all agreed that working in the outdoors had benefits for our creativity, free thinking and wellbeing, so recognising these benefits and seeing time outdoors as productive work time, is something we all felt we could work on.
Q: The green infrastructure and practical stuff are indeed very relevant when taking out work outdoors; but workplace culture is as important. I was wondering what your take is when it comes to workplace culture and outdoor offices.
The Outsiders represents self-employed people, and speaking to members one of the barriers to spending time outdoors is a lack of access to the outdoors. When we can see green space, and when we can access it freely, we are much more likely to do that. I have an ambition to start a nature-connected co-work space in Edinburgh as nothing like this exists currently. But the first step is bringing to the mainstream the recognition of the benefits of time outdoors, and setting a culture where this is promoted and accepted. I want to change the narrative around time outdoors; from something that’s a leisure activity, to something that enhances connection, creativity, wellbeing and productivity, and therefore is a justified element of work.
All images: The Outsiders
