A brand-new buddi bench — a dedicated public bench inviting adults to enjoy short, friendly conversations — is arriving in Edinburgh this December. The bench will be located beside the Wellington Statue, on the walkway towards St James Quarter and Princes Street, creating a vibrant new space for connection in the heart of the city.
The buddi bench initiative, founded by social entrepreneur Seth Hunter, is a not-for-profit project designed to reduce loneliness and spark simple, everyday human interactions. Each bench is clearly marked as a place where anyone can sit, slow down, and enjoy a warm, pressure-free chat with whoever is already there.
A Simple Idea at a Time When It Matters Most
Across the UK, loneliness is on the rise — and Edinburgh is no exception. The buddi bench offers an uplifting, creative, and accessible response. No apps, no sign-ups, no requirements: just a beautifully designed bench and an open invitation to talk.
“At a time when so many people feel disconnected, a small friendly chat can make a surprisingly big difference,” says Founder & CEO Seth Hunter.
“Edinburgh is a warm and spirited city, and the Wellington Statue location gives people a natural pause point to rest, meet someone new, and feel a bit less alone.”
Public Launch: 20–22 December 2025
Seth will be in Edinburgh from Saturday 20th to Monday 22nd December, handing out leaflets and chatting with the public about how the buddi bench works. Media are warmly invited to attend, film, photograph, or arrange interviews.
Why This Story Matters to Edinburgh Audiences
It’s a positive, local initiative at a time of year when connection is especially important.
It offers a fresh, creative response to community wellbeing and social isolation.
It’s highly visual and ideal for broadcast, social media, and print coverage.
It invites people to slow down, laugh, talk, and be human — something Edinburgh does beautifully.
About buddi bench
buddi bench is a UK not-for-profit creating compassionate public spaces that encourage conversation, connection, and community wellbeing. Alongside physical benches across the UK, the project offers free online resources, creative events, videos, podcasts, and arts-based wellbeing content. Its mission: “creative responses to human distress.”
