The Communications and Digital Committee has written to the Secretary of State at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, setting out its view on key proposals for the next BBC Charter ahead of publication of the Government’s White Paper.
The Committee says this is not a “routine” Charter review and that the 2028 Charter must equip the BBC to navigate dramatic changes in how public service media is distributed, discovered and consumed.
The BBC is already under significant financial pressure. Therefore, any new or expanded responsibilities in the next Charter—in areas such as promoting regional growth, technological innovation or media literacy—must be matched by adequate funding or a clear acknowledgement that the BBC will have to do less in other areas. The Committee says the Government should be “bold, confident and unapologetic” in ensuring the BBC has the financial sustainability it needs to deliver any obligations set out in the new Charter.
There is no obvious benefit in giving the BBC a broad new public purpose to drive economic growth across the UK, as the Government has proposed. The BBC already contributes £6.7 billion to the UK economy and there is a risk that such a change could distort commissioning priorities and distract the BBC from its core public service objectives. Instead, the Committee says the new Charter should retain the spirit of the BBC’s current fourth purpose, which puts public value first, while articulating more clearly the BBC’s vital contribution to developing the UK creative economy.
In 2015, broadcast television reached 92% of people in the UK each week on average, compared to just 54% last year. To uphold the principle of universality in a changing market, the BBC will increasingly need to distribute content through third-party platforms such as YouTube. However, this comes at the expense of control over how content is presented, access to audience data and the BBC’s direct relationship with audiences. The new Charter should support both strong BBC-owned services and flexible third-party distribution.
Simply making content available on a platform does not guarantee that audiences will find it, and evidence to the Committee highlighted the need for stronger safeguards on prominence, data access, platform accountability and fair value. The Committee says the Government should set clear minimum expectations for agreements between public service media providers and video-sharing platforms, backed by new legislation if voluntary agreements prove insufficient.
Greater collaboration will become increasingly important if public service media providers are to overcome shared challenges and compete with global platforms at sufficient scale. The Committee welcomes discussions between the BBC and Channel 4 about an expanded iPlayer, but says any arrangement must be a genuine, mutually beneficial partnership that respects the different brands and funding models of participating organisations, while maintaining plurality and competition. If the Government also decides to give the BBC a new or strengthened duty for technology and R&D in the next Charter, this should be framed around innovation in the public interest and clearly linked to the broadcaster’s mission and public purposes.
Baroness Keeley, Chair of the Communications and Digital Committee, said: “The upcoming BBC Charter Review is fundamental for the future of public service media in the UK.
“It comes as national public broadcasters face ever greater competition for viewers from streaming platforms and international technology giants, and so cannot be designed in isolation from the Government’s wider digital and media policy.
“The Government should use the BBC Charter Review White Paper to set out a coherent and ambitious strategy for public service media over the next decade. It must also be realistic about what can be asked of the BBC as it grapples with significant financial pressures.
“We can see no obvious benefit in a specific requirement for the BBC to drive economic growth across the UK. It already makes a massive contribution to the UK’s creative economy. Including an explicit economic growth public purpose in the new Charter risks both mission drift and skewing commissioning towards more generic, more exportable content.”
Catalyst Sterna Racing will complete a multi-year STEM Racing journey on the world stage after becoming Scottish regional champions and securing qualification for Singapore.
Catalyst Sterna Racing, a three-member team from James Gillespie’s High School, Edinburgh, is preparing to compete against the world’s leading young STEM Racing teams at the Aramco STEM Racing World Finals 2026 in Singapore.
Catalyst Sterna Racing’s journey began with third place at the Scottish regionals in Development Class in 2023–24 and second place at the 2024 UK National Finals.
After narrowly missing national qualification the following season, the team returned in 2025–26 as Scottish regional champions, won Fastest Car regionally and secured the Scottish National Champions award at the UK National Finals to qualify for Singapore.
Its technical work includes braced wheel spokes designed to reduce wheel mass and moment of inertia, with the aim of limiting wheel slip at launch. The team has also developed a deliberately unconventional “Pods²” concept as it looks to push beyond increasingly similar car designs.
Jess Lockwood-Holmes, Team Manager for Catalyst Sterna Racing said: “We are most excited about simply competing and representing Scotland on the world stage. We are here to finish our STEM Racing journey with a bang in Singapore.”
The team is also balancing World Finals preparation with a major life transition: its members qualified only months before leaving school and are now beginning university studies. They see Singapore as the opportunity to complete their STEM Racing journey while representing Scotland.
The World Finals will bring together more than 500 students aged 13 to 19 in 90-plus teams from 34 countries across all five continents. Held on Sentosa Island alongside the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix, the competition features around 200 races on a four-lane track and 540 judging sessions covering engineering, enterprise, design, project management and other disciplines.
Teams design and build a 1:25 scale model Formula 1 car, race it and present their work to judges while operating in a way that mirrors a real F1 team. Cars are checked against strict technical regulations before racing, while engineering portfolios, enterprise documents and project management plans are assessed over four days of competition.
Andrew Denford, Founder and Chairman, STEM Racing, said: “Every year, the Aramco STEM Racing World Finals showcases not only exceptional engineering talent but also the creativity, resilience and collaboration of young people from every corner of the globe.
“They don’t just design and manufacture a miniature car – they build a business with a team that has every member contributing to its success.”
The World Champions title can open doors to university scholarships, Formula 1 careers and a global network of industry connections.
The event is supported by title sponsor Aramco and partners including Denford, Autodesk, Ansys, Maaden, Singapore Grand Prix, Project Management Institute Educational Foundation, UCL Mechanical Engineering, Singapore Tourism Board and the FIA.
City councillors have voted to support cultural partners across the city – including the opportunity to apply for funding from a pot of over £2.6 million.
A one-off 25 percent increase in funding, totalling approximately £1.12 million, was agreed for existing Third Party Cultural Grants partners, including the Edinburgh International Festival, Book Festival, and the Fringe Society as well as community organisations.
The funding extension runs until March 2028, with a fully redesigned cultural funding programme for subsequent years to be agreed next year.
Extra support for all eligible cultural and arts organisations, including those operating at a local community level, will be available via the new £2.62m Innovate fund, supported by the Visitor Levy, which will open for applications next week.
The aim of the Fund is to improve resilience, support programming innovation and enhance cultural output for successful applicants, who will also need to demonstrate how the project will benefit visitors to the city.
It was agreed that eligibility criteria for applications, which were agreed by Culture and Communities Committee in May, should be viewed in the broadest way possible while still meeting legislative rules, and that organisations not currently funded by the Third Party Cultural Grants should be encouraged to apply.
This will enable a wider variety of groups and organisations to make the most of funds on offer.
The funding agreed on Thursday is part of a broader transformational allocation of Visitor Levy funding for Culture, Heritage and Events worth over £25m over the next three years.
This combination of sustained investment and focus on innovation is ‘creating an ambitious programme of growth that will benefit, visitors, residents and the city’s cultural organisations’.
Cllr Margaret Graham, Culture and Communities Convener said: “I have listened and heard the views and feedback of our cultural partners in recent weeks and the 25% uplift they have secured will provide certainty for the next year.
“I was absolutely clear, however, that this agreement could not be at the expense of our smaller cultural organisations across the city – many of which receive no funding at all. I have been a long time advocate of young people and communities and I know first-hand the value of local arts groups across the city.
“The funding package we agreed today will see all our cultural partners benefit, whatever their size or stature, but we need to find a fairer and more sustainable way of doing business in future – something that will high on the agenda at the round table discussion I will be calling in the coming weeks.”
The wonderful and magical Mio Shudo is returning with an 11-string creative team to Edinburgh Multicultural Festival at Lauriston Castle on Sunday curating your cultural experience of the Japanese danxe, cudtoms and traditions. Unmissable!
Join us at the Kyoto Friendship Garden to meet Mio’s team and enjoy your day basking in the Edinburgh’s autumnal spells and colours.
Don’t forget to book your FREE tickets at edmcf.co.uk
Targeted crackdown has reduced knife robberies by almost a quarter in 7 forces since June 2024
More than 230 areas most affected by knife crime will see more police patrols, CCTV and early prevention work as part of a knife crime crackdown across 27 police forces in England and Wales.
The Home Secretary is backing local plans developed by police and councils to tackle crimes, save lives and protect local communities.
Each plan will be tailored to the area. They will combine tough police enforcement activity such as enhanced police patrols, alongside programmes designed for young people most at risk of being a victim or a perpetrator of knife crime.
There will also be improvements to public spaces, including better lighting and redesigning areas to prevent weapons being hidden.
Growing evidence shows that concerted action in small, targeted areas is the most effective way of driving down knife crime.
This crackdown comes as new data shows 7 forces – Metropolitan Police, West Midlands Police, Greater Manchester Police, West Yorkshire Police, South Yorkshire Police, Avon and Somerset Police and British Transport Police – made real inroads into tackling an issue that has blighted communities across the country, identifying and arresting more people through the better sharing of data.
Across these forces, knife-enabled robbery has plummeted by nearly a quarter (23%) since the General Election – with more than 3,600 fewer knife robberies reported.
This builds on huge steps forward on knife crime since the government came into office. Overall knife crime is down by 11%, as the government continues to make progress towards its target of halving it within a decade.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: “Everyone deserves to feel safe in their community, and no young life should be blighted by knife crime.
“Targeted policing and prevention, focused on the areas where the need is greatest, is already cutting knife robberies by nearly a quarter. That means safer streets, and fewer lives lost.
“I am now taking this approach to more than 230 areas across the country. This government is getting tough on knife crime and on the causes of knife crime to make our communities safer.”
On Thursday (17 September), Shabana Mahmood visited the West Midlands, one of the regions receiving additional funding through the Knife Crime Concentrations Fund.
She was joined at a local boxing gym, which plays a vital part in supporting vulnerable young people to stay away from crime, by members of the Coalition to Tackle Knife Crime: Lynne Baird MBE, Pastor Lorraine Jones Burrell MBE, and Pooja Kanda OBE.
Campaigning by these 3 women – who have all tragically lost children to knives – has helped keep the issue at the top of the national agenda and reinforced the need for action on enforcement, prevention and protecting young people from being drawn into violence.
Pooja Kanda OBE, founder of Justice for Ronan Kanda, said: Having lost my son Ronan, I know the devastating consequences of knife crime. Behind every statistic is a family and community that has been changed forever.
“These reductions are encouraging, but I am even more encouraged by the Home Secretary’s commitment to targeted action in areas experiencing the greatest harm. Enforcement is vital, but sitting equally alongside prevention and early intervention – reaching young people before violence sets in and addressing the circumstances that allow it to develop.
“Ronan’s Law showed what can be achieved when government, campaigners, policing and communities work together. The progress we are seeing matters. Now we must remain determined, build on it, and continue to give young people genuine alternatives and hope.”
Lynne Baird MBE, founder of the Daniel Baird Foundation, said: “The Daniel Baird Foundation welcomes the Home Office’s focus on tackling knife crime, and the targeted action being taken in communities most affected by violence.
“Reducing knife-enabled robbery and preventing young people from becoming involved in violence is vitally important. We commend the funding’s ability to be used for preventative measures, including education, early intervention and an understanding of the devasting consequences that knife crime can have.
“Our vision is in line with the government’s – stop the violence where we can. Prevention saves lives. Preparedness saves lives too.”
Pastor Lorraine Jones Burrell MBE, founder of Dwaynamics, said: “As a mother who lost my son Dwayne to knife crime, and as someone who has spent many years working on the frontline with young people, families and communities affected by violence, this announcement gives me greater peace of mind, despite the tears that will always remain. For me, it is loss mixed with hope.
“I particularly want to commend the Home Secretary for the leadership, determination and humanity being shown in driving this work forward. What stands out to me is that this is not only about policies, policing or statistics.
“There is a human approach at the heart of it: one that recognises the value of every young life and understands the devastating impact violence has on families and communities. As a bereaved mother, that matters deeply to me.
“Through my involvement with the government’s Knife Crime Coalition, the importance of grassroots organisations that bring people together around a shared determination to save young lives has been recognised.
“There is compassion alongside action, and that gives me hope. It shows our young people that their futures matter at the very highest levels of government. This is how we begin mending what has been broken.”
Patrick Green, CEO of The Ben Kinsella Trust, said: “The Knife Crime Concentration Fund is an important government investment in targeted prevention, directing resources to the areas most affected by knife crime and helping local partners focus support where it is needed most.
“We know that lasting reductions in knife crime are achieved when enforcement is combined with education, early intervention and strong community partnerships. I welcome the government’s commitment to a more joined-up approach that recognises the vital role prevention plays in tackling knife crime.”
Caroline Willgoose, mother of Harvey Willgoose and knife crime campaigner said: “This funding, targeted to the specific needs of local communities, is an extremely welcome step from the government.
“In Harvey’s memory, I will continue working every day to make sure that no parent has to suffer in the same way. I will do whatever is possible to make this funding a success, and thank the government for their focus and attention on stopping knife crime.”
Serena Wiebe, member of the government’s Coalition to Tackle Knife Crime said: “We welcome this investment and the targeted government approach being taken in the communities most affected by knife crime.
“The fall in knife-enabled robbery is encouraging and shows that when we understand where violence is happening and focus our response, we can make a real difference.
“What is particularly important is that this approach brings together targeted enforcement, prevention and community-led intervention. We need to intervene earlier and invest in trusted local organisations that understand their communities, can build relationships with young people and reach them before they get to crisis point.
“We have spent 20 years working with young people affected by violence and inequality, and one thing I have learned is that violence isn’t inevitable. By combining intelligent, targeted enforcement with long-term prevention, community expertise and opportunities for young people, we can make our streets safer and, most importantly, stop young people losing their lives.”
Faron Paul, Founder and CEO of Fazamnesty and member of the Coalition to Tackle Knife Crime, said: “It is encouraging to see knife crime moving in the right direction, but there is still much more work to do.
“The £26.25 million Knife Crime Concentrations Fund is an important opportunity to bring enforcement, prevention and community-led intervention together in the areas experiencing the greatest harm.
“From our work on the ground, we know trusted community organisations have a vital role to play alongside police, councils and other partners. Every knife taken off the streets matters, but our ultimate goal must be preventing young people from picking one up in the first place.”
Leanne Lucas, Founder of Let’s Be Blunt CIC and member of the government’s Coalition to Tackle Knife Crime said: “Early intervention does not mean simply educating children as young as possible. It means recognising risk and intervening at the earliest appropriate point – whether that is with a young person, an adult, a parent or a whole family.
“That intervention must also be trauma-informed. Prevention should never rely on fear, shock or distress. It should be age-appropriate, evidence-informed and delivered in a way that understands people’s experiences, builds trust and supports them to make safer choices.
“Families need education and support just as much as young people do. Parents and trusted adults are often the people best placed to spot changes, ask questions and help prevent situations from escalating.
“From both lived experience and through the work of Let’s Be Blunt, I have seen how important it is that national decision-making is informed by those working within communities every day.
“There is still much more to do, but it is encouraging to see government recognising the importance of local knowledge and giving areas greater ability to respond to what they are seeing on the ground. This investment is a positive step in supporting that approach.
“We cannot only invest after harm has happened. Prevention means acting sooner, working together and making practical, trauma-informed changes that reduce the opportunity for harm in the first place. That is where real, long-term change begins.”
Sacha Ray, CEO of Lives 2Not Knives and member of the government’s Coalition to Tackle Knife Crime said: For over 19 years, Lives Not Knives’ model has been built on the premise that preventative action is far better than the cure.
“Knife crime statistics are moving in the right direction. It cannot be underestimated how preventative work such as the mentoring in schools, youth club spaces and knife crime roadshows, which Lives Not Knives deliver play a huge role in preventing more young people picking up a knife.
“Lives Not Knives welcome the government’s continued targeted approach and successful drive to reduce the blight of knife crime and the harm it causes.”
Anna-Mai Andrews, Interim CEO, Steel Warriors said: “Taking a knife off the street is where prevention starts, but it only lasts if young people have somewhere to go and someone to trust.
“Steel Warriors is where prevention persists; we melt down confiscated knives and forge them into free outdoor calisthenics gyms, with classes run by coaches from the same communities they serve. We welcome this holistic approach to prevention in the places that need it most, and we’re ready to work with local partners to give more young people opportunities for something new.”
Dr. Nathaniel Peat, founder of The SafetyBox said: “This is an excellent and much-needed move from the government. Knife crime cannot be solved by enforcement alone and the blended approach is needed.
“Lasting change happens when government, police, councils, charities, community organisations, schools, and local partners work together to address the root causes of violence. This is very promising news.”
Tracey Burley, Chief Executive, St Giles, said: “Any reduction in the number of young people being harmed through knife crime is welcome, and these figures show what can be achieved when there is sustained focus on the issue.
“But we cannot afford to become complacent. Lasting reductions will not come through enforcement alone. They require long-term investment in prevention, early intervention and trusted relationships with young people and their families.
“At St Giles, we see every day the difference that credible support, combining professional expertise with lived experience, can make.
“The real test will be whether we can sustain this progress and ensure that young people have the safety, support and opportunities they need before violence becomes part of their lives.”
In Fashion: Edinburgh College of Art Alumni in Conversation takes place TODAY – Friday 18 September – as part of Westfield Days: The Sound of Style
Westfield St James Quarter will bring together four Edinburgh College of Art (ECA) fashion alumni on Friday 18 September, who have gone on to build careers across independent fashion, illustration and bespoke tailoring, for a conversation on what it takes to forge a career in the fashion industry.
In Fashion: Edinburgh College of Art Alumni in Conversation is one of the closing events of Westfield Days: The Sound of Style, the ten-day fashion and music takeover curated by Scottish designer Charles Jeffrey to mark the centre’s rebrand to Westfield St James Quarter on 10 September.
Hosted by Professor Mal James, Personal Chair of Fashion at ECA, the panel brings together:
Samantha McCoach, Founder and Designer of Le Kilt, the Leith-born, Scottish-made label stocked at Dover Street Market, Matches and Selfridges. In 2025, Le Kilt joined forces with COS for a capsule collection rooted in craftsmanship and heritage, which was sold at COS in the Quarter.
Rosie Baird, Founder of BAIRD, a Scottish clothing brand launched in 2025 exploring modern Scottish identity through craft and storytelling. Rosie was also responsible for the tartan created for St James Quarter in 2022.
Katie Braid, fashion illustrator, educator and FIDA Award winner, whose work has been exhibited internationally and shown at V&A Dundee.
Alistair Nimmo, Head Cutter and Managing Director of Kathryn Sargent Bespoke Tailoring’s Edinburgh atelier, and a 2025 Walpole Powerlist honouree.
Together, the four alumni represent very different routes into the fashion industry, from launching independent Scottish labels to working as an illustrator and building a career in the highly specialised world of bespoke tailoring.
The panellists will discuss the transition from studying at ECA to building careers across ready-to-wear, illustration and bespoke tailoring, offering practical advice on portfolios, creative practice and navigating the industry after graduation. A Q&A and informal meet-the-panellists session will follow the discussion.
Professor Mal James, Personal Chair of Fashion at Edinburgh College of Art, said: “One of the most valuable things we can offer the next generation of fashion talent is an honest insight into what comes after graduation.
“There is no single route into the industry, and our alumni have gone on to build careers across very different areas of fashion, from independent labels and illustration to the highly specialised world of bespoke tailoring.
“Bringing them together at Westfield St James Quarter gives students and emerging creatives the chance to hear directly about those journeys, the challenges they have faced and the opportunities they have created for themselves.”
Presented in partnership with the British Fashion Council as part of the nationwide Fashion Britain initiative, Westfield Days: The Sound of Style has run from 10 to 20 September and included Charles Jeffrey’s own Listening Room installation, built from his personal archive and soundscapes, and the PUNK FLEA MARKET, a limited-time pop-up of archival LOVERBOY pieces and accessories, alongside a wider programme of talks, workshops and live music.
Anne Ledgerwood, Estate Director at Westfield St James Quarter, said: “Fashion careers rarely follow a straight line, and this conversation with four ECA graduates who’ve built such different paths – from bespoke tailoring to independent Scottish labels – feels like the right way to bring Westfield Days: The Sound of Style to a close. It’s a reminder that Edinburgh doesn’t just watch the fashion industry, it produces it.”
The event is free to attend and is aimed at students, emerging creatives and anyone interested in pursuing a career in Scotland’s fashion industry.
The conversation reflects Westfield Days: The Sound of Style’s focus on connecting fashion, music, creativity and emerging talent, while highlighting Edinburgh’s contribution to the wider UK fashion industry.
Event details In Fashion: Edinburgh College of Art Alumni in Conversation Date/ Time: Friday 18 September, 3:30pm–4:15pm Venue: Listening Rooms, Level 3, St James Quarter, Edinburgh Booking link: here.
Greig Laidlaw, Magnus Bradbury and Jamie Dobie bring top-level experience directly to pupils at Edinburgh school
An elite coaching team featuring some of the biggest names in Scottish rugby has come together at Merchiston Castle School as the new term gets underway.
Former Scotland captain Greig Laidlaw is among the high-profile names now working directly with pupils at the Edinburgh school, alongside Scotland internationals Magnus Bradbury and Jamie Dobie.
Led by new Director of Rugby and High Performance Jack Moran, the coaching team brings current and former international experience directly into the school’s rugby programme, building on Merchiston’s long-standing reputation as Scotland’s leading producer of professional rugby players.
For Bradbury and Dobie, the new role brings their rugby journeys full circle. Both developed their game at Merchiston before progressing into professional rugby and representing Scotland, and are now sharing that experience with the next generation coming through the school.
Nick De Luca, Director of Sport and Activities at Merchiston and former Scotland international, said: “Every new term brings new talent through our doors, from boys beginning their rugby journey at eight to those preparing to take their next step beyond school.
“We have a proud track record of developing players who go on to the professional game, including the likes of Magnus and Jamie, and more recently being involved in Jake Dalziel’s journey as he made the move to Newcastle Red Bulls’ senior academy this year.
“But success isn’t only about producing professional players. It’s not simply about spotting talent; it’s about developing all the talent a player has and helping them reach their potential.
“It’s about developing resilience, discipline and ambition in every boy. Having coaches who know first-hand what it takes to reach the highest level – to handle pressure, overcome setbacks and thrive is incredibly powerful. Not just for sport, but for life.”
Greig Laidlaw, former Scotland rugby captain, commented: “It’s great to get started at Merchiston and I’m really looking forward to helping the boys develop in all areas of the game over the coming season and beyond.
“I won’t shy away from working hard on the basic skills needed to excel, while also helping them develop as leaders.”
Jamie Dobie, Scotland international and former Merchiston pupil, said:“I’m delighted to be back helping the next generation of Merchiston players get the most out of their rugby.
“It doesn’t feel that long ago that I was on these pitches with the same hopes and dreams as many of the current boys, so working with them feels like a real full circle moment.”
Magnus Bradbury, Scotland international and former Merchiston pupil, added:“The school gave me a lot during my time here, and it feels good to be able to give something back.
“I’m hoping to share the knowledge and skills I’ve gained throughout my career and make a difference to the boys and their rugby journey.”
To learn more about Merchiston Castle School, please visit:
Increased funding for community projects in Programme for Government
Grassroots projects will be able to bid for a share of £500,000 to help build stronger communities this year as part of plans set out in the Programme for Government.
The Community Cohesion Fund, launched last year to help local community initiatives to address shared challenges such as social isolation, the cost-of-living crisis, inclusion, employment and housing, will be increased from £300,000 to £500,000 in 2026-27.
On a visit to the Big Hearts Community Trust in Edinburgh, Equalities Minister Simita Kumar said: “The Programme for Government places a renewed focus on community cohesion, setting out practical actions to strengthen our collective response to shared challenges and build more resilient communities.
“Building on the success of last year’s launch in supporting the excellent work of local organisations like Big Hearts, we are increasing the Community Cohesion Fund to £500,000 this year. This will mean we can help even more grassroots initiatives that bring communities together, tackle division and promote inclusion.
“We will also establish a Ministerial Taskforce on Community Cohesion to identify priority areas for action and address emerging issues affecting communities.”
Craig Wilson, Chief Executive, Big Hearts Community Trust said: “The universal language of football allows us to bring together people from a wide range of backgrounds, and offer them opportunities to build positive connections in their local community.
“We were pleased to receive support from the Scottish Government and the STV Appeal Community Cohesion Fund to strengthen accessibility and inclusion across our support services here in Edinburgh.
“This funding enables our charity to host more football-based activities as a neutral entry point of engagement for isolated adults and young people, and extend the support to their families. We are committed to make their local football ground a trusted and friendly space where they are welcomed, feel listened to and supported.”
The Fund sits alongside substantial funding which supports wider initiatives on areas such as advancing anti-racism, interfaith dialogue, integration, tackling social isolation and loneliness – helping to build connected, inclusive and resilient communities by fostering trust, belonging and support for people and communities across Scotland
Full details of the 2026-27 Fund including routes to apply will be published shortly.
A Leith charity has just a few days left to try and keep an iconic local church building in community hands. Leith St. Andrew’s parish church is due to be sold off by the Church of Scotland and if sold to a private buyer, the local groups using the building will be forced to leave, with the wider community losing access to the building completely.
Leith St. Andrew’s Trust (LSAT) is a registered charity founded by concerned nearby residents; it is aiming to buy the building on behalf of the community so that it can continue to serve the people of Leith.
Volunteers have worked over the last two years to undertake feasibility studies, develop a viable business plan, and submit funding applications to secure the money needed to purchase the building.
The Scottish Land Fund (SLF) is currently considering whether or not to grant the funding that the trust needs to buy the church, with a final decision due at the start of October.
Despite hundreds of survey responses showing strong community support for the plans developed by LSAT, the charity has been told that the number of local residents actually signed up as members is likely too low for SLF to award the money needed.
In response, LSAT has launched a new membership drive, with door knocking, street stalls and a social media campaign, which has seen membership grow from just 47 local residents at the start of the recruitment drive to over 350 members in just 10 days.
The charity’s eligible membership area only contains around 4000 residents in order to comply with government and funding guidance on community ownership, so membership levels have now reached almost 10% of the entire eligible population.
Leith St. Andrew’s Trust has an ambitious target of recruiting another 450 members before the funding decision is made, but the deadline for updating the Scottish Land Fund on progress is 24th September so the charity has only a few days left.
Nina Ballantyne, Leith St. Andrew’s Trust board member said: “We need as many eligible residents as possible to join Leith St. Andrew’s Trust as members to help show the Scottish Land Fund that this will be a genuinely community owned and managed building.
“Membership costs just £1 for a whole year. We’ve made great progress already but want to keep pushing in the time left, as without the Scottish Land Fund grant, the journey to community ownership is a lot more difficult, if not impossible.
“For 145 years the building has been at the heart of the community, and with more members, it can be a place that brings generations of Leithers together for many years to come.”
For more information on the campaign and how to support its efforts, please visit www.leithstandrewstrust.org or search for ‘Leith St. Andrew’s Trust” on Facebook or Instagram.
We’re excited about the upcoming cinema event on Thursday 8 October celebrating community football, with a particular focus on women’s football.
We’ll be screening The First Women, a beautiful documentary following the Brazilian national women’s team, a film full of inspiring characters, friendship, and community spirit.
The First Women uncovers the untold stories of the pioneering women who formed Brazil’s first national women’s soccer team. Although women were legally barred from playing soccer until 1979, these trailblazers broke barriers and represented Brazil internationally throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Yet, despite their achievements, they received little public recognition or reward.
Thursday 8 October
Doors open & food sharing from 5.30pm (soup & bread served)
We’d love to hear from you if you’d like to take part in a panel discussion, or if you have photos, memories, or memorabilia to share about women and girls’ football in North Edinburgh.Email alice.betts@northedinbrugharts.co.uk
This screening is part of The Spanish Film Club series, organised by IberoDocs in collaboration with Edinburgh Council and was made possible with the support of Pragda, SPAIN arts & culture, and the Secretary of State for Culture of Spain.
Book your place at: 
We’d love to hear from you if you’d like to take part in a panel discussion, or if you have photos, memories, or memorabilia to share about women and girls’ football in North Edinburgh. Email