Tag: award

Heriot-Watt University awarded Athena Swan Silver status

Heriot-Watt University has achieved an Athena Swan Silver Award in recognition of its significant progress in advancing gender equality for staff and students across its global community.

The award acknowledges the University’s sustained commitment to creating a more inclusive and supportive environment, building on more than a decade of work under the Athena Swan Charter. Heriot-Watt has held an institutional Bronze Award since 2013 and has engaged with the Charter since its launch in 2005.

Athena Swan is a globally recognised framework that supports universities and research institutions to advance gender equality and tackle structural barriers. The Silver Award recognises institutions that can demonstrate measurable progress and lasting impact.

Over the past six years, Heriot-Watt has delivered a range of initiatives through its Athena Swan action plan, including increasing the representation of women in senior academic roles, reducing the gender pay gap, strengthening support for staff and students with caring responsibilities, and enhancing governance and accountability for gender equality.

Professor Richard A Williams, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University, said: “Achieving Athena Swan Silver status is an important milestone for Heriot-Watt.

“It recognises the sustained progress we have made in advancing gender equality and creating an environment where people can succeed and thrive.

“While there is more work to do, this achievement provides a strong platform for the future. Through our Strategy 2035 ambitions, we will continue to champion equality, inclusion and opportunity for all members of our global community.”

Associate Principal (International and Partnerships) and Athena Swan Programme sponsor, Professor Mark Biggs, said: “This Silver Award is a tremendous achievement for Heriot-Watt and reflects the commitment and hard work of colleagues and students across our University community.

“It recognises the significant progress we have made over recent years and our shared ambition to advance equality, diversity and inclusion.”

The University has identified a number of priorities for the next phase of its Athena Swan work, including embedding gender equality across its strategic goals and governance structures, supporting equitable recruitment and career progression, strengthening global engagement with equality, diversity and inclusion, and fostering inclusive learning and working environments.

The institutional Silver Award builds on success across Heriot-Watt’s academic schools. The School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences and the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences currently hold Athena Swan Silver Awards, while the School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society and the School of Business, Design and Social Sciences hold Bronze Awards.

The recognition highlights Heriot-Watt’s long-term commitment to creating a more equitable and inclusive university for staff and students across all its campuses.

Lost Shore wins global Community Impact Award at Surf Park Summit

Lost Shore Surf Resort has won the Surf Park Community Impact Award at the 2026 Surf Park Summit in Virginia Beach, USA, securing international recognition for its work to make surfing more accessible and use the sport as a force for positive social change.

The award recognises surf parks creating meaningful, lasting change in their communities through areas including youth programmes, regional partnerships, inclusive participation, workforce development and surf therapy.

Since opening near Edinburgh in November 2024, Lost Shore has made community impact a central part of the resort, working with organisations including The Wave Project and Inclusive Surfing Scotland to open up the benefits of surfing to people who might otherwise struggle to access them.

The Wave Project is the UK’s surf therapy charity, using surfing and one-to-one volunteer mentoring to support children and young people experiencing mental health challenges, helping them build confidence, resilience and self-esteem.

In 2025, it delivered its six-week Surf Therapy programme at Lost Shore to 62 young people aged eight to 18 from across Fife, Edinburgh, Lanarkshire, the Lothians and Glasgow, with every participant receiving one-to-one support. Weekly Surf Club sessions provided more than 400 hours of continuing support.

Lost Shore’s inland location has also enabled The Wave Project to accept referrals from Glasgow, Lanarkshire, West Lothian and parts of inner-city Edinburgh that it previously could not reach.

Inclusive Surfing Scotland provides adaptive surfing for children and adults with disabilities, breaking down barriers to the sport through tailored equipment and professional support in safe, inclusive environments. At Lost Shore, consistent and customisable waves, accessible changing facilities and adapted water access allow the charity to support everyone from first-time adaptive surfers to experienced para surfers.

In 2025, Inclusive Surfing Scotland delivered 76 sessions supporting 79 surfers, with all surveyed participants reporting that surfing made them feel more confident and happier and improved their mental health.

Andy Hadden, founder of Lost Shore Surf Resort, said: “This award means an enormous amount because community impact was never something we intended to bolt onto Lost Shore after we opened. It was part of the reason for building it in the first place.

“What makes me proudest is seeing young people find confidence in the water, disabled surfers catch waves with Inclusive Surfing Scotland, and our facility used to support emergency service  workers.

“To have that work recognised internationally is incredibly special. It shows that a surf park can be much more than somewhere to catch waves. Our ambition now is to keep widening access and show that commercial success and meaningful social impact can go hand in hand.”

Ruaridh Farquharson of The Wave Project said: “Lost Shore has changed who we can reach. A young person in Glasgow, Lanarkshire or inner-city Edinburgh should not be excluded from the benefits of surf therapy simply because they live too far from the sea.

“At Lost Shore we have a safe, predictable environment and, crucially, the community of trained volunteers that makes surf therapy work. “Our evaluation data consistently shows positive improvements in the wellbeing of the young people who take part, and research shows that every £1 invested to our Surf Therapy courses returns £2 in social value. We see these benefits every day in the water.”  

“Iain Donaldson of Inclusive Surfing Scotland said: “For many disabled people, the barriers to surfing start long before they ever reach the water.

“Having accessible changing facilities, smooth water access, and customisable waves at Lost Shore completely changes what’s possible. Supported by our specially trained coaches and volunteers, we’re seeing people who never imagined they could surf discover the total freedom and joy of riding a wave. 

“Our impact evaluations have shown that surfing not only builds physical fitness, but positively impacts our surfers’ mental health and resilience. Recognition like this sends a vital message to the global surf industry: accessibility must be built into the future of the sport.” 

Lost Shore’s wider community work includes Surfwell Blue Light CIC, which has brought trauma-informed surf therapy for frontline emergency service workers to Scotland, as well as a curriculum-linked Surf and STEM programme for schools and The Surf Lab, its research partnership with Edinburgh Napier University exploring surfing, performance, health and wellbeing.

The Community Impact Award follows Lost Shore’s Innovation Award win at the 2025 Surf Park Awards, giving the Edinburgh resort back-to-back international recognition.

Scottish brewery wins Champion Winter Beer of Britain silver

Black Gold (4.4%), a session stout by Cairngorm in Aviemore, has won silver in CAMRA’s Champion Winter Beer of Britain award, announced at Liverpool Beer Festival. Proving its credentials as a truly great winter beer after also being crowned the winner in 2025.

After a year of local and regional blind judging heats, the Campaign’s top three beers have been crowned. Black Gold will now go forward to the final judging in May at CAMRA’s Cambridge Beer Festival where it’ll battle it out to take the crown of Supreme Champion 2026. 

Judges were blown away, with judging panel coordinator Christine Cryne describing Black Gold (4.4%) as: “A black session stout with red hues and oyster head. Aromas of black treacle and faint hits of dark fruits. Caramelised fruits on a sweetish chocolate base with some plums create a moreish stout. The dry finish is slightly sweet with some spicy notes. 

The judging and announcement took place at Liverpool Beer Festival, in the Lutyens Crypt at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral, just ten minutes’ walk from Liverpool Lime Street station. Competition beers are available at the festival while stocks last.

CAMRA’s Awards Director, Shelly Bentley, said: “Our Champion Beer of Britain competition is the only truly independent beer contest in the UK. Brewers can’t simply enter their beers into it; they have to be nominated by beer lovers or expert tasting panels.

“Everyone taking home a category win or top three placement should be proud that their beers have been declared the cream of the crop by expert judges.”

Overall winner was London Brewing‘s Beer Street, 4.0%

Bronze went to Green Jack‘s, Baltic Trader Export Stout, 10.5%

From Positive Destinations to Rising Star: How Josh Ward found his future at Edinburgh Leisure

Edinburgh Leisure is celebrating one of its own as Josh Ward, Swim Teacher at its iconic Leith Victoria Swim Centre, scooped the Rising Star Award at the recent Scottish Leisure Network Group Awards.

The Scottish Leisure Network Group (SLNG) is a not-for-profit organisation for leisure and sport providers in Scotland. Founded in 2003, its purpose is to help members, such as local authority leisure trusts and university sports departments, share best practices, provide industry guidance, and develop benchmarking processes.

Josh’s story is one of resilience, determination, and the power of opportunity.  Starting out on Edinburgh Leisure’s Positive Destinations programme – an employability initiative supporting young people from deprived areas – Josh faced significant challenges. Surrounded by negative influences and lacking financial support, his future could have taken a very different path.

Instead, Josh embraced the programme, earned his lifeguard qualification, and began his career as a Leisure Attendant.

Recognising the need to create a positive environment for himself, Josh made the brave decision to transfer to a venue further afield, away from peer pressure. That move marked a turning point.

With encouragement from his manager, Josh trained as a Swim Teacher, gaining his Scottish Swimming Teaching Qualification. Two years on, he’s not only thriving but inspiring others.

“Josh is a fantastic role model for our team and for the young people who come through our programmes,” said Louise Bathgate, Manager at Leith Victoria, who nominated him for the award.

“His journey shows what’s possible when someone is given the right support and opportunities. He’s passionate, committed, and always goes the extra mile for his swimmers and colleagues.

“Josh’s approach to swim teaching reflects the values of our organisation, creating an inclusive, supportive, and high-quality experiences for all his participants.  He is known for building strong relationships with children and adapting his teaching style to meet individual needs.

“He has played a key role in supporting both participants and less experienced staff, particularly through our Care-Experienced and Active Communities programmes. His patience and ability to connect with others make him a trusted and respected member within his team.”

One customer commented said “Josh is doing a great job running the Skills & Development and Master’s swim classes. He’s always friendly, encouraging, and brings great sets for us to swim. His feedback on technique has significantly improved my swim times.”

Josh’s success comes as sportscotland celebrates Role Models in Sport this December, highlighting individuals who inspire others to get active and achieve their potential. Josh embodies that spirit – from overcoming personal challenges to becoming a trusted and respected Swim Teacher who makes a real difference in his community, said Jack Martin, Coaching Workforce Manager at Edinburgh Leisure.

Edinburgh Leisure offers a range of career pathways, from entry-level roles to specialist coaching and teaching positions. Josh’s story is a powerful reminder that a career in leisure isn’t just a job – it can be life-changing.

Find out more about careers with Edinburgh Leisure at: 

www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/work-for-us

Five-star spa in the capital awarded top UK accolade

Sheraton achieves elite Five Bubble Luxury status

ONE OF Scotland’s most luxurious spas has secured the highest honour from the UK’s most prestigious spa authority.

The One Spa, located within the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa in Edinburgh’s city centre, has been awarded the coveted Five Bubble Luxury status by the Good Spa Guide, making it the only spa in Edinburgh to receive the top ranking.

The award cements One Spa’s position as a leader in wellness and relaxation, reinforcing its reputation as a must-visit destination for both visitors and residents seeking a high-end holistic experience.

Run by the independent Good Spa Guide, the Five Bubble Luxury status is awarded following rigorous assessment by trained “Spa Spies” and is reserved only for venues delivering exceptional standards of luxury, treatments, customer service and facilities.

The Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa has long been recognised as a landmark in Scottish hospitality, offering refined five-star experiences and exceptional service in the heart of the capital.

The One Spa is considered a cornerstone of this experience, combining modern design with therapeutic excellence.

Fiona Young, Spa Director at One Spa, said: “Achieving Five Bubble Luxury status is a remarkable milestone for our team.

“This recognition is not only a testament to the hard work and passion of our spa professionals but also reflects the commitment we have made to delivering a world-class wellness experience.

“From our rooftop hydropool to our extensive Thermal Suite and range of expertly delivered treatments, every element of One Spa has been designed with relaxation, rejuvenation and luxury in mind. It is incredibly rewarding to see our dedication acknowledged at this level.”

The Good Spa Guide’s assessment praised One Spa for its calm and spacious atmosphere, top-tier facilities and highly trained therapists. In particular, it highlighted the rooftop hydropool, which offers guests roof top views while soaking in warm, restoring waters.

Set across multiple levels, One Spa offers a unique blend of advanced wellness facilities and relaxing design features, with standout elements including a 19-metre infinity-edge swimming pool, holistic treatment rooms, state-of-the-art gym, and the city’s most extensive Thermal Suite.

The spa’s comprehensive treatment menu ranges from personalised facials and massage therapies to signature rituals and high-performance skin care using both local and globally renowned products.

Copyright Matthew Shaw All rights reserved and all moral rights asserted. See licence supplied with this image for full terms & conditions. Copy available at: www.matthewshaw.co.uk/copyright.html Not for use by architects, interior designers or other hotel suppliers without permission from Matthew Shaw

Martijn Zengerink, General Manager of the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, said: “This award underlines our long-standing commitment to excellence across every part of the Sheraton Grand experience.

“One Spa has always been a cornerstone of our guest offering, and to be recognised at the very highest level reinforces Edinburgh’s reputation as a world-class destination for wellness and hospitality.”

With wellness tourism and staycations continuing to grow in popularity, industry accolades such as this are expected to play an increasingly influential role in helping guests choose where to invest their relaxation time and budget.

The accolade is on the back of the hotel marking its 40th anniversary in 2025 and celebrating four decades of iconic hospitality in Scotland’s capital.

Fiona added: “We’re proud to be flying the flag for Edinburgh as a top-tier spa destination. With a growing focus on wellbeing and self-care, our aim is to continually raise the bar and this award is both a recognition and motivation to keep pushing boundaries.”

To learn more and book an experience at the One Spa visit: https://www.onespa.com/

NHS Lothian CAMHS strengthens commitment to supporting equality among young people

NHS Lothian’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) has been formally recognised for its efforts to make services more inclusive and affirming for LGBTQ+ young people.

The service has been awarded the LGBT Charter, at Foundation Level, for its ongoing commitment to making LGBTQ+ young people feel safe, supported and included.

The Charter is a national initiative designed by LGBT Youth Scotland to support organisations and help empower staff to proactively include LGBTQ+ individuals in every aspect of their work.

Over the last year, CAMHS staff have been dedicated to undertaking training, enhancing policies and improving practice to ensure they are as inclusive as possible.

This work also reflects NHS Lothian’s broader commitment to equality and delivering high-quality, inclusive care rooted in its core values of compassion, dignity and respect. 

Jillian Torrens, Services Director for the Royal Edinburgh Hospital and Associated Services at NHS Lothian said: “We’re proud of CAMHS for receiving the Charter and taking this important step towards ensuring all staff have the skills, knowledge and confidence to better support LGBTQ+ young people.

“Our teams work hard to make everyone feel safe and welcome. This award reflects their dedication to respecting everyone, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation”

Research from LGBT Youth Scotland highlights LGBTQ+ young people face significantly higher rates of mental health challenges, with trans youth particularly vulnerable to anxiety, depression and suicide.

Ann Marriott, Youth Work Manager (East) for LGBT Youth Scotland, said: “There is an urgent need for LGBTQ+ young people to be able to access inclusive, affirming mental health support equipped to meet their needs.

“By undertaking the LGBT Charter, NHS Lothian CAMHS is helping lead the way, embedding inclusion across policies, training and service delivery and showing what meaningful change looks like.”

CAMHS was commended for creating safer, more informed spaces shaped by direct consultation with young people. Feedback revealed LGBTQ+ youth want to feel supported, validated and heard and to have their preferred names and pronouns respected.

In response, CAMHS staff signed a pledge to use individuals names and pronouns, adopting an age-appropriate approach to ask how people wish to be addressed in ways that affirm their identity.

Following the Charter process, staff have reported being more confident speaking to LGBTQ+ young people about the issues affecting them, which is helping build stronger therapeutic relationships.

CAMHS is now expanding its LGBTQ+ champions network to continue improving services, increase visibility of inclusive materials and resources and deepen engagement with patients and staff.

A Triumph for Muirhouse!

‘Come Dine With Us’ initiative recognised for tackling loneliness and fostering community wellbeing

MUIRHOUSE HOUSING Association is celebrating a magnificent triumph in a prestigious set of national awards.

The Association excelled in the Tenant Participation Service (TPAS) Scotland National Good Practice Awards scoring a win in the keenly-contested category for Community Involvement – tenant/community group. 

It was a powerful endorsement of Muirhouse’s commitment to placing its community at the heart of everything it does as a housing provider.

The National Good Practice Awards celebrate outstanding achievements in tenant participation by individual tenants, tenant groups and social landlords.

The category won by Muirhouse “recognises and celebrates the achievements of a tenant or community-led group or project that has supported other individuals or groups within their community and made a positive impact.”

Muirhouse’s triumph centred on its innovative and inclusive “Come Dine With  Us” initiative – a recurring event offering a free meal and companionship to local residents aimed at tackling isolation and loneliness

Launched in 2022, it instantly resonated with the community and attracts between 15 and 30 people to the weekly get-together in winter with it running fortnightly in the summer.

It has chalked up some impressive outcomes with evaluation showing an increase in the age groups attending ranging from 26-85 plus an impressive 140% increase in how satisfied those attending are with their lives. An increase of 83% was recorded from those attending who felt the things they do in life are “worthwhile”.

Muirhouse Chief Executive Susan Bell, added: “Ensuring we do our bit to tackle loneliness and isolation in our community – especially among those who are single – remains an important part of our work.

“In the face of the cost-of-living challenges, we as a housing association are ideally placed to make a difference and Come Dine With Us tackles this very issue. We remain very grateful for the funding received which helps to support this important initiative.”

“This project provides the opportunity to inspire and empower individuals to foster better health, connect with others in the community and feel valued.

“We are thrilled to receive this award, which recognises the dedication and teamwork behind our efforts to support the community.”

Charter award for NHS Lothian’s Bereavement Service

The NHS Lothian Bereavement Service has been awarded the prestigious Bereavement Charter for Scotland (Workforces).

The service works to improve the experience and support available for patients, families and staff after a bereavement by being a single point of contact for any bereavement related issues. 

They are here to compliment the support routinely given by hospital staff, which can be anything from what happens next, enquiries about the policy, providing training or looking to see what emotional support is available. 

This accreditation is a testament to our organisation’s unwavering commitment to providing high-quality, human rights-based bereavement care and support. It highlights the team’s dedication to fostering a compassionate and understanding community for those navigating the challenging journey of grief.

The recognition comes in light of the exceptional person-centred care, education, and support that the NHS Lothian Bereavement Service consistently delivers. Effective, equitable, and compassionate bereavement care has always been at the heart of their service provision, and the Charter Mark is a well-deserved acknowledgment of these efforts.

One of the key initiatives that contributed to this achievement was the team’s focus on better support for NHS Lothian staff who have experienced bereavement.

This comprehensive project included conducting a staff survey, collaborating closely with Line Managers, and developing valuable resources and training programs. These efforts will help to ensure that staff members receive the support they need when they return to work and beyond after experiencing the loss of a loved one.

The Charter accreditation holds significant meaning for the team, reflecting their dedication and hard work. Looking ahead, the NHS Lothian Bereavement Service is now focused on the next steps: supporting other teams, wards, and departments within NHS Lothian to work towards achieving the Charter Mark.

This initiative aims to empower the wider workforce to practice excellent bereavement care across Lothian, further enhancing the organisation’s commitment to compassionate care.

Congratulations to NHS Lothian Bereavement Service on this outstanding achievement. Their dedication to providing high-quality bereavement care and support is truly inspiring and sets a benchmark for others to follow.

Edinburgh school wins national award for excellence

Fettes College has been named Scottish Independent School of the Year for Academic Excellence 2025 (GCSE/A level) in the Sunday Times Parent Power Schools Guide 2025.

Fettes College, the only school in Scotland offering pupils the choice between A Levels and the International Baccalaureate (IB), has received recognition for academic excellence for its GCSE and A Level curriculum and results.

The school is also recognised as the Top IB School in Scotland and a Top Ten IB School in the UK.

Schools are ranked based on the average points achieved in the International Baccalaureate examinations and the percentage of A*, A, and B grades across all A-Level entries in summer 2024.

Helen Harrison, Head of Fettes College, said: “This achievement is largely down to the hard work of our students, who are always striving for the best and who dedicate the time to their education and individual growth.

“However, it wouldn’t be possible without the unwavering support of all of our teaching staff, who commit their days to bringing the best out of our students and providing them with a quality education that sets them up for life outside of school.

“The quality of education we deliver goes beyond achieving impressive academic results at GCSE, A Levels, and the IB. Our curriculum, including our bespoke Middle School Diploma, is designed to stretch and challenge students beyond the confines of the exam specification and encourages students to achieve excellent outcomes and to aim high.

“We want to empower our students to work independently and to think critically, encouraging innovation and creativity and setting them up for success in the Sixth Form and beyond. It’s fantastic to receive this recognition.”

82% of Fettes’ recent leavers secured places at their first-choice universities, both in the UK and internationally.

To find out more about Fettes College’s dual pathway, go to: www.fettes.com/senior-school/a-place-to-learn

To view The Sunday Times Parent Power Schools Guide 2025, go to: 

https://www.thetimes.com/best-schools-league-table

North Edinburgh Community Festival wins Creative Edinburgh Award

The North Edinburgh Community Festival is thrilled to announce that it has won the Creative Edinburgh Festival Award. This is a new category for 2024, which celebrates a festival’s outstanding contribution to Edinburgh’s vibrant cultural scene and its innovative approach to community engagement.

Festival Chair, Willie Black, and Festival Director, Adele Conn were joined on stage to accept the award by Jed Milroy from the Tinderbox Collective and Ryan McGlone from Granton Youth along with 6 young people who have volunteered at the festival since it started in 2022.

Jed and Ryan, play an integral part in the festival by encouraging participation through music, running both music stages and encouraging over 600 young people to participate in the festival.

Lennon Hutchison, youth volunteer, said “As someone who has volunteered at the festival for the last 3 years, I feel incredibly proud to be part of something so special.

“It was amazing to win this award and myself and my friends can’t wait for next years festival.”

“We are absolutely delighted to receive this award,” said Festival Director Adele Conn. “It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team, and we are grateful to the community for their unwavering support.

“This recognition motivates us to continue creating a meaningful and inclusive festival that bring people together and acts as a year round catalyst for collaboration and change in North Edinburgh.”

The North Edinburgh Community Festival, held annually in May in West Pilton Park and the West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre, aims to benefit North Edinburgh communities by promoting pathways into employment, training, and recreation opportunities, addressing endemic challenges in the areas such as worklessness, low education attainment, and social isolation by providing a fun, free, family day out for new and existing residents to enjoy – promoting opportunities, creativity, enhancing community cohesion, reducing social isolation and celebrating the diversity of the area.

This year the festival had over 10,000 local people attend, 150 charities, organisations and groups; over 600 young people participating in music activities, and we provided over 3000 free hot meals on the day.

The award was presented at the Creative Edinburgh Awards ceremony last week, which honours the best in Edinburgh’s creative community, highlighting the projects, people and places that flourish across Edinburgh and continually ensuring its place on the cultural map, nationally and internationally.

Winning this award highlights the festival’s role in its commitment to North Edinburgh and helping this community to thrive. The festival has imbedded itself within the community and has a vital role to play.

The strength of the Festival lies in its collaborative working model – with involvement from residents, artists, the local third sector and public sector bodies. 

The diverse population of North Edinburgh includes families, individuals, young people, and children, all of whom stand to benefit from the festival’s offerings. By hosting a range of recreational, cultural, educational, leisure, and social activities, the festival aims to create opportunities for community engagement and personal development. 

The festival also proudly celebrates cultural diversity and serves as a vibrant tapestry of the many ethnic minorities residing in North Edinburgh. Recognising the unique challenges faced by these communities, it is even more important to provide resources and support services tailored to the needs of these communities. 

Willie Black, says: “As the Chair of the North Edinburgh Community Festival, I am thrilled and honoured that we have won the award for Best Festival in Edinburgh.

“This recognition is a testament to the vibrant spirit and hard work of our community. It highlights the incredible talent and dedication within North Edinburgh and showcases our ability to bring people together through cultural celebration.

“Winning this award means a great deal to our city and particularly to the community of North Edinburgh. It underscores the importance of cultural festivals in fostering community pride, cultural exchange, and economic development.

“However, it also reminds us of the crucial need for financial support to sustain these valuable events. Continued funding is essential to ensure that festivals like ours can thrive, grow, and continue to enrich the lives of everyone involved.”

Regarding the Festival’s future, our vision for the next five years is both ambitious and transformative. We aim to expand the reach and impact of the North Edinburgh Community Festival, making it an annual highlight that continues to bring joy, education, and support to our community.

We plan to increase our engagement with local schools and youth groups, offering more workshops and programmes tailored to the needs and interests of young people.

In addition, we aspire to create more year-round initiatives that address socio-economic challenges, such as community art projects, and job training sessions. We’re committed to fostering inclusivity and cultural exchange, ensuring that all residents, feel valued and supported.

We also aim to strengthen our partnerships with local organisations, businesses, and volunteers, to drive home positive change. Our goal is to make North Edinburgh a thriving, vibrant community where everyone has the opportunity to grow, learn, and succeed.

As a community festival, we rely heavily on funding. However, we remain optimistic that this award will help to raise awareness of the festival’s importance and the community’s desire for it.

We are hopeful that it will attract the financial support needed to sustain and grow the event.

Next year’s festival will be held on Saturday 17th May from 12 noon – 530pm.