A Leith church, a community garden in Dunbar and a community hub in Dalkeith have all received support from the Scottish Land Fund, helping local groups bring key community assets into ownership.
The groups are amongst 24 projects sharing in £3,010,576 from the Scottish Land Fund, which is marking 25 years of helping communities to acquire the land and assets that matter to them.
Leith St Andrews Trust has received £589,750 to buy a church in Leith that closed to worshippers in December 2024 with the intention of making it a home for physical and mental health activities.
Sustaining Dunbar has received £65,094 to purchase Belhaven Community Garden (BCG), an area they have been leasing since 2012.
The site is used as a hub for learning, social connection and developing locally grown food for the community and the group will purchase the asset through a Community Asset Transfer (CAT) from East Lothian NHS.
And One Dalkeith has been awarded £516,469 to purchase the One Dalkeith Community Hub which they have operated since 2019. The group will continue to use the asset as a local hub, with a performance space, shop, community shed, kitchen, co-working space and rooms available for local groups.
Since 2001 the Scottish Land Fund has invested more than £138 million of Scottish Government and National Lottery funding in 955 projects across the country, helping to transfer village shops, community centres, church buildings, crofts, land for affordable housing, woodlands, pubs, moorland, community gardens, cinemas and even a 5,000 year old chambered cairn (The Tomb of the Eagles purchased in 2025 by South Ronaldsay and Burray Development Trust with the help of a £357,705 grant from the Scottish Land Fund) into the hands of local people.
In total the Fund has contributed significantly to the transfer of 853 assets into community ownership, representing 213,803 hectares of land and buildings across Scotland.
The Scottish Land Fund is funded by the Scottish Government and delivered in partnership by The National Lottery Community Fund and Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).
Commenting on the impact of the Fund and of the current grants, Gillian Martin, Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Rural Affairs, said: “For 25 years the Scottish Land Fund has helped communities realise their ambitions in providing vital services, protecting treasured landmarks and building sustainability into villages, towns and cities.
“This round, like so many before it, shows the breadth of ways this can be done – whether through providing much-needed housing, looking after people’s wellbeing or creating a focal point to the community.
“It is incredible to see how the fund has supported real change for so many people across Scotland and I look forward to seeing these projects develop and serve their communities. The Scottish Government has provided a total budget of £111 million to the Scottish Land Fund since 2012.
“A huge thank you must also go to staff at the National Lottery Community Fund and Highlands and Islands Enterprise, who have administered the fund, working closely with community groups, helping to ensure it is a success.”
Cara Gillespie, Scottish Land Fund Committee Chair, said: “As we mark 25 years of the Scottish Land Fund, these latest awards are a powerful reminder of what communities can achieve when they have the opportunity to take ownership of the places that matter to them.
“Over the past quarter century, the Fund has helped transfer hundreds of assets into community hands, unlocking local ambition, creating jobs, supporting affordable housing, protecting vital services and helping communities build stronger, more resilient futures.
“From islands and crofts to churches, community hubs and green spaces, the story of the Scottish Land Fund is the story of local people stepping forward with a vision for their area and turning that vision into lasting change. The 24 projects supported today are the latest chapter in that story, and demonstrate that community ownership remains as relevant and transformative now as it was 25 years ago.”
Julian Grant, Chair, Leith St Andrews Trust said: “Everyone at Leith St. Andrews’ Trust is absolutely delighted that this beloved landmark will get a new lease of life and remain at the heart of the community.
“This funding will be crucial in delivering our mission to transform the church into a welcoming and vibrant hub for all Leithers while also ensuring that the many community groups who use the building currently can continue to call it home.
“We’re incredibly grateful to the Scottish Land Fund for its invaluable support; we also offer a massive thank you to our volunteers and members without whom this wouldn’t be possible. There’s a lot of hard work still to come before the Trust’s vision is fully realised but everyone in Leith knows you need to persevere. We are thrilled to be continuing on this journey with the community.”
Jo McNamara, Chair, Sustaining Dunbar, said: “Belhaven Community Garden is the fruit of vision, commitment and thousands of hours of work by volunteers over the past 14 years. We are thrilled that the Scottish Land Fund recognises this energy and is backing us to take the garden into community ownership giving the garden a much more certain future.
“Now we will be able to realise our ambitions to involve even more people around our community in growing food and therapeutic gardening. The mature orchard, wildflower meadow and plots create a valuable setting for events and workshops or simply space to walk & enjoy the sense of wellbeing that it brings.”
Reflecting on its beginnings, Neil Ritch, Director for Scotland, The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “When the Scottish Land Fund was established with National Lottery funding in 2001, community ownership was still a relatively new idea. Twenty-five years on, communities across Scotland have used ownership to create homes, jobs, businesses, greener places and stronger local economies.
“As a delivery partner for the Scottish Land Fund and with experience of helping communities to own assets for many years, we have seen first-hand how ownership can unlock ambition, attract further investment and give communities greater confidence in their future.
“The projects supported through this latest funding round show that community ownership continues to deliver practical solutions to some of Scotland’s biggest challenges, from affordable housing and local economic development to environmental action and community wellbeing.”
Sandra Holmes, head of community assets at HIE, said: “The 25th anniversary of the Scottish Land Fund is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the difference community ownership makes across Scotland.
“Over the years, it has helped communities create jobs, provide affordable housing, safeguard vital local services, and develop new facilities, bringing lasting benefits to people and places.
“The grants announced in this latest round will give more communities the opportunity to take ownership of important local assets and unlock their ambitions for the future.”
An exhibition and a weekend of printmaking with Eiko
Join us for Gravity, an exhibition exploring Eiko’s personal experiences and life story through materials, printmaking and painting.
With a background in traditional Western art and printmaking, and experience working as a print technician in Japan, Eiko brings together traditional techniques and reflections on contemporary life.
Discover her work, share in the conversation and explore printmaking for yourself throughout the weekend.
Exhibition Opening: Gravity + Gems
Friday 13 November | 18:00–20:00
Celebrate the opening with complimentary drinks and handmade, gem-inspired snacks.
Workshops
Tetra Pak Print Workshop: Seeds
Saturday 14 November | 14:00–16:00
Explore the shapes of seeds and the energy they hold. Join Eiko to create Tetra Pak prints using a pasta maker as a printing press—a playful way to try printmaking and make a thoughtful gift for someone special.
Monotype Print Workshop: Roots
Sunday 15 November | 14:00–16:00
Discover the shapes of roots and their power to draw energy from the earth. Experiment with monotype printing alongside Eiko, using a pasta maker as a printing press to create a unique print to keep or give.
A group of Edinburgh College Professional Cookery students got a taste of life at the top of their profession after sharing the kitchen with some of Scotland’s finest chefs as they prepared lunch for The Chefs’ Forum at Edinburgh’s iconic Scotsman Hotel recently.
Working under the guidance of four expert chefs, the College’s Professional Cookery students played a key role in delivering the four-course menu, joining each chef in the kitchen to prepare their specially curated dish.
The team were also joined by their peers from West Lothian College, who were tasked with supporting the front-of-house operation and serving meals to guests.
First up on the day was James McDonald, Executive Head Chef at The Bothy Glasgow, who opened the lunch with BBQ hispi cabbage, cashew butter and chimichurri.
Edward Fortune, Head Chef at The Murrayfield Hotel, followed with hake poached in mushroom broth, Scottish chanterelles and tarragon.
Host chef Kristofer Currie, Executive Chef at The Scotsman Hotel, served Aussie Wagyu sirloin with braised Aussie Wagyu cheek fondant, beef-fat carrot, carrot-top pistou, carrot granola and Bordelaise sauce.
Finally, dessert came from Can Misirlioglu, Head Pastry Chef at The Grand Café, who presented a contemporary Cranachan éclair.
Nikita Panwar, Level 1 Professional Cookery student from Edinburgh College, was delighted to be involved in the event where she was recognised for her excellent contribution in the kitchen earning her the Kitchen Star Award: “It was an amazing experience to work alongside some of Scotland’s top chefs.
“I gained a lot of valuable new skills, grew in confidence and found out what it’s like to work in a professional kitchen. Receiving the Kitchen Star Award means lot to me and I’m grateful to the College for this amazing opportunity.”
Nikita’s lecturer, Jack Evans, was full of praise for the young chef: “We’re so proud of Nikita. When she first started the course, she was a little bit shy, so seeing her shine and gain this recognition, along with the possibility of her securing a job, was amazing!
“Her story is exactly why we do what we do.”
Jack, who was instrumental in creating the partnership with The Chefs’ Forum, believes it is not just beneficial for the students involved: “Since I started The Chefs’ Forum partnership, it has gone from strength to strength, continuing to grow year on year, and has become an integral part of the curriculum calendar.
“The aim was not only for students to benefit from the opportunity, but also for lecturing staff to get involved. It has been incredibly rewarding to see this happen, and it has generated a real buzz within the team.”
Delighted with the success of the event, Catherine Farinha, Founder of The Chefs’ Forum, said: “What an extraordinary celebration of Scottish hospitality. It was a privilege to bring together such an impressive gathering of chefs, hoteliers, restaurateurs and industry partners in the magnificent surroundings of The Scotsman Hotel.
“Our four chefs delivered a truly exceptional menu, each bringing their own creativity, technical expertise and passion. I would like to thank James McDonald, Edward Fortune, Kristofer Currie and Can Misirlioglu for their tremendous contribution.
“What made the day particularly special was seeing the students from Edinburgh College and West Lothian College working alongside these talented professionals. Chloe and Nikita were true stars of the day, and their achievements are exactly why we continue to champion hospitality education through our events.
“We are deeply grateful to The Scotsman Hotel, our college partners and every supplier who supported this event. Together, we are creating genuine opportunities for the next generation and celebrating the extraordinary talent already working across Scotland’s hospitality industry.”
Plan designed to plug holes in failing social security safety net
Older people must be at the heart of plans to increase take-up
Getting life-changing support to older people is crucial as ongoing cost-of-living pressures increase
National charities Independent Age and Age UK have joined forces to develop a blueprint for a social security entitlement take-up strategy that could increase the number of low-income households receiving the financial support they desperately need.
The two charities launched the report: Raising Take-up: a template strategy to increase the take-up of social security entitlements, to illustrate what a comprehensive strategy could look like. In the face of stagnating take-up rates – Pension Credit for example has remained at between 60% and 65% take-up for more than a decade – both charities have been calling for the UK Government to introduce a strategy to ensure money that has been set aside reaches eligible older people who need it.
The charities hope the new report will inspire the Government to build on their work and develop its own plans to close the gap between the numbers eligible for financial entitlements and those receiving them.
Government data shows that millions of households are missing out on billions of pounds of vital support that can boost incomes by thousands of pounds a year, including Pension Credit (up to £2.4 billion) Attendance Allowance (£5.2 billion), Carer’s Allowance (£2.4 billion) and Housing Benefit (up to £1.3 billion).
This income can mean the difference between living in a cold home and being able to turn on the heating without worrying about spiralling bills, putting food on the table or skipping meals and paying the transport costs to see friends and family to ease isolation.
The report identifies several barriers holding eligible people back from the potentially life-changing income boosts. A lack of awareness of available support, confusion over eligibility, long and complicated applications forms, digital exclusion, stigma and patchy coordination across Government departments all play a part in hindering take-up.
With 13 million people in the UK living in poverty, 1.7 million of whom are of State Pension age, and around a million more older people on low incomes teetering on the brink, the organisations warn that the Government will need to think differently if it is to meet its commitment to increase take-up and tackle poverty among all age groups.
Independent Age Chief Executive Joanna Elson, CBE said: “It is a sign of a failing social security system that the very people it was designed to support don’t receive the financial help they are entitled to.
“Billions of pounds of support is not reaching eligible households to help them cope with spiralling costs – from heating and water to food and rent. People should not have to overcome a maze of complex forms, confusing information or digital barriers to receive the financial support they are entitled to.
“A UK Government take-up strategy would bring together existing efforts, address gaps in support and prove to older people on a low income that there is a clear plan for delivering lasting change. It’s time to fix the holes in the social security safety net that we should all be able to rely on.”
Caroline Abrahams, CBE, Charity Director at Age UK said: “Shameful numbers of older people who are eligible for a range of means-tested and health-related benefits that could transform their lives continue to miss out, and as a society we have arguably accepted this depressing state of affairs as though there is nothing, we can do to change it.
I”n fact, there undoubtedly is, and that’s why Age UK has been delighted to work with our friends at Independent Age on this report, which makes a compelling case for the development of a government take-up strategy. If the political resolve is there such a strategy could make a real difference.”
Steve (69) describes how his life has improved after receiving social security support with help from Independent Age:“I found it difficult to find information about benefits and understand what you’re entitled to. A friend told me about Independent Age and I decided to call their Helpline to see if I qualified for any benefits.
“I got Attendance Allowance and Pension Credit in the end, and I remember feeling so relieved! Getting those benefits has made a big difference to me. My Council Tax bill was a big worry for me. I used to pay around £1,300 a year. Now that I’ve been awarded Attendance Allowance and Pension Credit, I pay £0 for it!
“Before, I was on a very tight budget for food. I could only afford the basics and would only buy the cheapest items at the supermarket. My fridge was very bare. Now, I can eat fresh and healthy food instead of food out of a tin!”
June is in her late 70s and has Parkinson’s disease was helped by her local Age UK. She struggles with the tremor in her hands and has trouble with balance and co-ordination, which make it difficult for her to do essential everyday tasks like preparing food. Her family encouraged her to apply for Attendance Allowance, but she assumed she wasn’t eligible.
She eventually contacted a local Age UK in the East of England who offered a home visit. The advisor conducted a full benefit entitlement check and helped June complete the Attendance Allowance form – she can’t complete it herself as she finds writing difficult and completing forms daunting. Providing this hand-on, in-person support at her home was essential. She was successful in claiming Attendance Allowance, which in turn makes her eligible for Pension Credit. This makes her eligible for full Council Tax Reduction and health costs like glasses.
In total, the value of these benefits is over £200 per week – over £10,000 per year – plus a back payment. She has used the money on various physical therapies, including for her painful back, and feels her wellbeing has improved. Without this support she feels she wouldn’t know what she is entitled to and couldn’t navigate the benefits system.
She said: ‘All of this extra support has improved my state of mind so much and I am just ever so grateful to you.’
Independent Age and Age UK are urging the UK Government to create a targeted and holistic strategy to drive-up take-up rates. The two charities have identified the key features any strategy will need to succeed, including that it covers all social security entitlements, has measurable targets, clear accountability, and robust plans to monitor progress.
The Independent Age/Age UK plan identifies four pillars for action:
Increase awareness and understanding of eligibility, so people know what support they may be entitled to.
Simplify application processes for every entitlement, reducing unnecessary complexity and barriers to claiming.
Streamline and integrate systems, making it easier for people to access multiple entitlements and for public services to work together.
Increase access to advice and support, ensuring people can get practical help to navigate the system and complete applications.
The charities say these actions must be underpinned by a person-centred, system-wide, data-powered and evidence-led approach, ensuring that efforts are shaped around people’s needs, informed by reliable data and focused on what works.
UK Government regional Pension Credit take-up data from 2023/24
Staff from West Granton Housing Cooperative will be running another drop in at the Fresh Start Hub (28-30 Ferry Road Drive, entry through the Pantry) on Wednesday 18th November 2.00-5.00pm
Everyone is welcome to come along and ask them for advice around any of the following and more:
Housing related questions.
What benefit support might I be entitled to?
How do I apply for Social Housing in Edinburgh, and
What housing options are available?
What repairs must my landlord carry out to keep my home safe and livable?
How to report any damp or mould to your landlord & “next steps”
I Am Not My Hair is a joyful dance-theatre work created for Black and Mixed-Race girls aged 8-12 years old.
Drawing on lived experiences, and through vibrant movement, music and storytelling, the piece celebrates Black hair and creates a space where identity and individuality are honoured.
Friday 13 November
Performance at 6.30pm
Doors open at 6pm (NEA Community Café will be open before the performance starts)
Have you experienced cancer, or supported someone who has?
We’d love to hear about your experiences of cancer care and your ideas on how services could be improved. Join us for an informal chat in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Tuesday 24 November 2026
10:00am – 12:00pm
Community Renewal: Pennywell, 31 Pennywell Road, EH4 4PJ
£50 voucher for everyone who attends
Refreshments provided
Transport and childcare costs can be covered
Everyone is welcome
No right or wrong answers – share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with
The Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) has written to hospitals across Scotland to issue an ‘Amber Alert.’
This is due to a national blood shortage. There is specific pressure on group O blood stock levels and a national shortage of blood donors.
All donors, but particularly O negative and O positive donors, are asked to urgently book and fill appointments across Scotland in the coming days, weeks and months.
Appointments are available for booking until the New Year and can be booked on https://www.scotblood.co.uk or by calling 0345 90 90 999.
Got questions about appointment or eligibility to #GiveBlood?
There’s still time to be part of the magic this Christmas! 
Sponsor an engraved Christmas decoration!
We’ll hang it on our beautiful community Christmas tree for everyone to see – and the best bit? You get to keep your decoration too!
Got questions about appointment or eligibility to