About Edinburgh LETS

The acronym LETS stands for Local Exchange Trading System. But in the words of founder Michael Linton, "the word "LETS" was chosen to highlight an invitation (let's) and a culture of consent". So let's trade! Let's recognise each other's diverse talents and the amazing resources hidden within our local community!

Yes, you do have enough energy/spare time to be a LETS member. A lot of potential members feel anxious about joining. Can I offer any services which anyone else wants? How will I find the time to do the work if someone asks me? What have I let myself in for? In fact most of our members are either working full-time, have young families or are affected by a disabling condition. People with loads of spare time are in the minority. It's up to the individual member to decide how much or little they want to trade.

Another perception is that it's all about trading jars of home-made jam. The reality is that we could do with a jam-maker right now. In the year and a half that I've been a LETS member, I've seen some astonishing trading taking place. One member saved another member hundreds of pounds by helping her challenge an excessive bill. One member had architectural plans drawn up for her flat. When two members' home was damaged by a fire, a small squad rushed down to help clear out all their belongings.

But mostly it's the small things that make a difference: help with a sick cat, getting advice when you need to buy a washing-machine, or having someone there to put up a coathook. And many of us have found that the best thing about LETS is making new friends. When I joined I expected most LETS members to be alike, but I was surprised to encounter the variety of people. It ranges through all age-groups and all sorts of characters, from the activist whose home is mostly furnished from skips, to the teenager who loves fast cars. Whether you're outgoing or reclusive, there's likely to be a corner of LETS which suits you.