Shout out to colleagues from the University’s Physical Activity for Health Research Centre, Accommodation and Events Services and University of Edinburgh Sport for making this happen.
Botanis chior perform a song written by Karine Powart (white top, glasses) to mark the reopening of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Palm Houses,
Connecting the community to the power of nature was the theme at a special event at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, as around 800 guests gathered for a Community Celebration at the newly restored Palm Houses, prior to their public reopening.
The event was the joyous finale of the Garden’s 2026 Creative Programme for communities. Supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the scheme brought together community groups from across Edinburgh to explore ways of connecting with nature – empowering individuals to develop their own relationship with the natural world.
The five groups involved this year – Pilton Community Health Project, Headway East Lothian, Score Scotland Women’s Group, ELREC New Scots Group and ELREC Polish Group – took part in a series of 21 creative sessions at the Garden between March and August.
Working alongside artists, musicians and specialists from the Botanics, participants explored the connections between communities across Edinburgh and the Palm Houses, helping to inspire and engage individuals new to the Garden in the beauty and creativity on offer right on their doorstep.
As well as exhibiting textile banners, ceramic vessels and a Palm House tea blend created by the community groups throughout the project, the event also welcomed award-winning musician and songwriter Karine Polwart, whose new composition, Māmāku, was inspired by the black tree fern (Sphaeropteris medullaris) native to New Zealand now growing at the centre of the Palm Houses.
Exploring themes of repair, renewal, healing and resilience, the new composition was performed for the occasion by the Botanics Choir, made up of both members of staff and people from the local community.
Chiormaster Amy Leach (dark blue dress) Karine Polwart and NLHF Diane Gray (light blue dress)
Professor Julia Knights, Regius Keeper of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh said: “The Palm Houses have always been places of wonder, discovery and connection. Now, with the support of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, this project has brought new people, stories, creativity and perspectives into these historic spaces. We are delighted to celebrate that work together.
“At the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, our role goes far beyond science and horticulture. As well as being a global institution tackling biodiversity loss and climate change, we also deliver education and engagement programmes to inspire and engage learners.
“We work with over 120 community groups and welcome visitors from across the world; our Gardens are a place where everyone can come together, share experiences and be inspired.”
The National Lottery Heritage Fund awarded £4.8 million to help save the Palm Houses, helping to support both the renovation of the historic buildings and community engagement work that is already bringing new audiences into the Palm Houses.
Caroline Clark, The National Lottery Heritage Fund Director for Scotland, said: “Thanks to National Lottery players, we have helped support the restoration of these magnificent 19th century Palm Houses, securing the future of the precious plant collection housed within them.
“This has been an extraordinary heritage project, but it’s also brought together people from communities across Edinburgh and beyond. It has given them the opportunity to share new experiences, develop their creative skills and helped shape how this special place will be understood and enjoyed for generations to come.”
The Palm Houses will reopen to the public on Friday 2 October 2026 following a major restoration project which has seen all 5,750 panes of glass replaced, 600m² of ironwork fully restored or replaced and 500m² of sandstone repairs carried out, alongside the return of nearly 600 precious plant specimens to their historic home.
Charities, community groups and not-for-profit organisations can apply for grants of up to £5,000 to strengthen mental health and wellbeing across Edinburgh
A new round of the Edinburgh Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund opens on Friday 18 September 2026, offering grants of up to £5,000 for community-led projects supporting adults’ mental health and wellbeing across the city.
The Fund is distributed by Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations’ Council (EVOC) on behalf of the Scottish Government. Applications will remain open until Wednesday 18 November 2026. After an assessment process, successful organisations will have one year in which to spend their award after payment in March 2027.
The Fund is designed to tackle mental health inequalities, reduce social isolation and loneliness, support suicide prevention, and respond to poverty and inequality. It has a strong focus on prevention, early intervention and community connection, particularly for people who face socio-economic disadvantage or are at greater risk of poor mental health.
The round is open to charitable and not-for-profit organisations, constituted and unconstituted community groups, and other eligible organisations providing services in Edinburgh with an annual turnover of £2 million or less.
Funding can support practical costs including equipment and materials, one-off events, hall and room hire, participation costs, staffing, training, transport, utilities, volunteer expenses and safety equipment. Capital costs of up to £5,000 may also be considered.
Previous grant holders have shown how small, locally rooted projects can create meaningful change. Across Edinburgh, funded activity has helped people move from isolation into friendship and community participation, supported parents and carers to recognise that their own mental health matters, and created accessible opportunities through art, physical activity, peer support and volunteering.
Bruce Crawford, EVOC’s CEO said:“Community organisations understand their neighbourhoods and the people they support. This Fund helps turn that knowledge into practical activity that can reduce isolation, build confidence and create stronger connections. Previous grant holders have shown that even a relatively small award can unlock lasting change.
“We want to hear from grassroots groups with a clear idea, strong local relationships and an understanding of how their work will contribute to the Fund’s aims. We particularly welcome applications that clearly describe the difference the project will make and how local people have helped shape it.”
EVOC will host an online information and question-and-answer webinar for prospective applicants. The session will explain the Fund, eligibility, priorities, and application process, with time for questions.
Organisations considering an application can book the webinar through Eventbrite.
Full guidance and the application form are available here. Applications open on Friday 18 September 2026 and close on Wednesday 18 November 2026.
After four years of tree-planting, the “Cramond Commemorates” project culminated on Friday (20 March) with a celebration event for everyone who donated and dedicated a tree.
The project came about as the world emerged from the Covid19 pandemic when so much had been lost. It quickly developed into a commemoration, not only of experiences missed, but also of loved ones who died.
Some 58 trees were planted in four locations: Cramond Hall grounds, Cramond House parkland, Cramond Walled Garden and Cramond Primary School grounds.
All the plantings have been carefully recorded and mapped, and appear with their individual dedications on a website that showcases the project https://www.cramondcommemorates.com
Rev Ian Gilmour, who came up with the tree planting idea, said: “Dedicating a tree to someone whom you’ve loved and lost can be a means of having a tangible reminder of their presence and a focal point for remembrance.
“The Cramond Commemorates plantings represent a living heritage of people with a connection to the area or to Cramond Kirk.
“As well as enhancing the environment and the beauty of the area, these trees are symbols of renewal and a reassurance that life goes on.”
The first tree, a Sessile Oak, was planted in November 2021 by pupils from Cramond Primary and Cargilfield Schools. Other varieties include Beech, Maple, Silver Birch, Rowan and Sycamore, as well as a number of fruit trees.
John Naylor chose a James Grieve apple tree in memory of his wife Margery who died in 2022. He said: “Margery was a lover of trees and of Cramond. She was Secretary, then President, of the Cramond Association and a great supporter of the Woodland Group.
“What better way of celebrating and remembering her life well lived.”
Christine Roy dedicated a Wheelers Russet apple tree to her late husband, Jim. She said: “Jim loved his garden, trees and everything outdoors in nature.
“My sons and I thought it would be a lovely way to remember him. Somewhere that we and the grandchildren could go and see the tree grow over time in a woodland setting. We have planted bulbs around it, and had a little plaque made.”
Lending itself to an obvious choice of memorial tree, the song ‘O Rowan Tree’ was a favourite of Dorothy Spence’s grandmother, a member of Cramond Kirk from 1882 till 1958, now buried in the Kirkyard with her husband and two sons.
The event was attended by many of the tree donors and organisations involved in supporting the project: Cramond Association’s Woodland Group, Cramond Estate, local poet David Bleiman, Edinburgh Council’s Parks and Greenspaces.
Many of the Cramond Community became involved in clearing and preparing ground for tree plantings.
When new trees required watering in their early days, local schoolchildren, Cubs and Scouts saved the day by forming bucket chains to areas which hose-pipes could not reach!
Applications now open for Dobbies Community Gardens
Dobbies’ Edinburgh store is inviting local schools, charities and community groups to apply for this year’s Dobbies Community Gardens, giving successful groups the opportunity to receive support to help bring green spaces to life across the country.
In 2025, each of Dobbies 53 stores selected a winner from over 600 entries to receive support, supplies and advice through the community initiative. Dobbies’ Edinburgh is committed to giving back to the community on both a national and local level and is passionate about encouraging the nation to discover and share a love for gardens.
Dobbies Community Gardens will support its local communities by providing essential tools, plants and expert knowledge from colleagues to groups, to bring their green spaces to life. Dobbies’ Edinburgh store colleagues will also provide dedicated time to each project through volunteer hours.
The community gardens initiative nurtures wellbeing, connections and inclusion to help inspire local residents to spend more time in nature.
Dobbies’ Edinburgh store is looking to hear from local groups hoping to start, restore or upgrade their indoor or outdoor green spaces, and learn more about what they would do with the support.
Dobbies’ Plant Buyer, Nigel Lawton, is encouraging groups across the country to apply. He said: “Every year we look forward to hearing from the variety of inspiring groups about what they are looking to their garden spaces, with our support.
“We encourage local communities and groups within 20 miles of their local Dobbies store to apply to help create their perfect shared garden spaces that will bring joy to the community all year long.
“Whether they are a charity looking to upgrade their green space, a local group looking to bring the community together with a new project, or a school with plans to restore a vegetable patch, we want to hear from anyone who has a garden project that we could support.”
Craig Allardyce, Secretary of Your North Muirton, helped transform an area of land into a community garden with more than 30 raised beds with help from Dobbies.
Craig said: “Our new space supports a wide range of local involvement from individuals renting a low-cost raised bed to grow their own food, to schools and community groups using the area for hands-on learning and shared planting.
“Dobbies Community Gardens is a fantastic initiative to help bring local communities together and we would encourage groups looking for help with a garden project to apply.”
Applications are now open and close at 5pm on 31 March 2026.
Those entering must be within 20 miles of Dobbies’ Edinburgh store. Successful projects will be invited along to their local store for a consultation before getting recommendations from Dobbies’ colleagues about what products and tools will help bring the space to life.
Tesco is calling on organisations in Scotland running food projects for children and young people to apply for grants of up to £1,500
Schools and community groups across Scotland are being encouraged to apply for funding through Tesco, as the retailer looks to support more local projects helping children and young people access healthy, nutritious food.
The community grant scheme awards up to £1,500, with shortlisted projects going forward to a customer vote in participating Tesco stores. Shoppers receive a blue token and can vote by placing it in the in-store unit for the cause they want to support. Each funding round features three local projects, with grants awarded based on the number of tokens received.
This year, Tesco is particularly keen to hear from initiatives with a clear food focus, including breakfast clubs, holiday food provision, access to healthy snacks for youth groups, community pantries, cookery and nutrition sessions, and food growing projects that help children learn where food comes from.
The call for applications comes as the latest Government diet survey shows that fewer than 1 in 10 children and young people aged 11–18 meet the recommended 5-a-day, with 11–18-year-olds eating an average of around 2.9 portions of fruit and vegetables per day*.
Tesco believes every child should have the opportunity to enjoy healthy food and is committed to backing practical projects that make a difference locally.
Claire De Silva, Head of Community at Tesco, said: “Every child deserves the chance to enjoy healthy food and build the foundations for a healthier future, we want to support the brilliant schools and community groups in Scotland helping children and young people access nutritious food.
“Whether that’s a breakfast club, a pantry, cookery sessions or a project that helps children grow and try new foods, we’d encourage local organisations to apply—and we’d love shoppers to get involved when the customer vote comes to their local store.”
Already in Scotland, a number of local causes have benefited from the Stronger Starts blue token initiative, helping to improve children’s access to healthier food and nutrition education,
One example is the Kirkshaws Neighbourhood Centre in Coatbridge who host the KNC Kids Club, an afterschool club and summer holiday playscheme which supports young people aged five to ten and runs a series of cooking classes two days a week.
Through the classes, the young people learn about eating healthier foods and have the opportunity to prepare their own meals, such as soups, pastas and pizzas. The Stronger Start funding helped the group to purchase more kitchen equipment and ingredients, helping the kids continue their keen passion for cooking, learning new foods to try and discover a love for healthy eating.
Nicola Anderson, from KNC Kids Club, said: “The Tesco Stronger Starts grant made a real difference for the KNC Kids Club.
“It’s helped us to buy ingredients and new utensils in our on-site kitchen for local children and young people to use, and the customer vote gave the whole initiative a real lift. We’d strongly encourage other groups to apply—the funding and local support have made a genuinely positive impact.”
Another group who have benefitted from the grant is Mearns Primary School in Newton Mearns, who received a £1,500 Stronger Starts grant to help support their school’s breakfast club, allowing them to provide pupils with a soft-start routine through a nutritious breakfast every school day.
For more information about Tesco Stronger Starts and how to apply, visit:
First Minister John Swinney has announced additional funding to help people with their mental health. A further £3 million will be made available so people can get early help close to home to improve their wellbeing and tackle loneliness.
Since 2021, more than 6,100 grants have been awarded from the Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund for Adults to projects, including those that deliver:
support groups for people with long-term health conditions
walking, cycling and fitness sessions to reduce stress
arts and music programmes to build confidence and social connection
befriending services for older adults and carers
The additional funding was announced by First Minister John Swinney ahead of a visit to the EATS Rosyth community hub and garden.
The First Minister said: “I am pleased to announce a further £3 million from the Scottish Government for projects to help people with their mental health and wellbeing.
“This investment reflects our commitment to healthcare that delivers prevention and early intervention, supporting people before they reach crisis point and prioritising those who are most at risk.
“Local support for people who need a bit of extra help with their mental health is really important – projects close to home in familiar settings are often where people feel the safest and most comfortable.
“Offering that kind of support is particularly important at this time of year, which many find difficult. But the festive season also reminds us of the importance of kindness, compassion, and caring for one another.
“Getting outside and spending time in the fresh air can really improve our physical and mental wellbeing, and the Fund that I am announcing today has supported projects that support people to do exactly that.
“After seeing the new community hub, I am looking forward to visiting the EATS Rosyth garden to see how local people are benefitting from the chance to enjoy valuable time outdoors.”
With the additional £3 million investment, total funding from the Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund for Adults in 2025-2026 will be £18 million, and the total provided by the Fund since 2021 will be £84 million.
Aldi is calling on charities, community groups and food banks in Edinburgh to sign up for surplus food donations from its stores this Christmas.
The supermarket’s Edinburgh stores work with the community giving platform Neighbourly to donate surplus food throughout the year. But with all Aldi stores set to close on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, there’s an opportunity for even more groups to benefit from the partnership over the festive season.
Participating charities will be matched with local Aldi stores and can collect fresh and chilled food nearing its expiration date, with Aldi expecting to donate an estimated one million meals to those in need over the festive period.
Luke Emery, National Sustainability Director at Aldi UK, said: “The services our amazing charity partners provide are more in demand than ever during the festive period.
“That’s why we’re committed to offering as much support as we can to the communities we serve this Christmas.”
Steve Butterworth, Chief Executive Officer at Neighbourly, added: “Christmas can be a tough time for many families, and local charities are often a vital lifeline. We know there are still groups out there who could really use the extra help from businesses like Aldi, so we’d love them to get in touch.”
Any charity or community group not already working with Neighbourly can register their interest at neighbourly.com.
Customers can also donate food or household items year-round through community donation points in every Aldi store.
In addition to its long-term partnership with Neighbourly, Aldi has worked with Company Shop since 2022 to manage surplus stock from its Regional Distribution Centres. It sees surplus items sold at discounted prices to members throughout the year, making essentials more accessible and reducing waste.
Spreading Christmas cheer, Edinburgh’s Christmas offers over 8,500 free tickets to local community groups and charities
Edinburgh’s Christmas spreads festive cheer further across the capital this year by offering more tickets than ever before to local community groups and charities, with over 8,500 free tickets now available across the community.
With more people than ever before able to share in the Christmas magic, this year over 8,500 tickets for Edinburgh’s Christmas attractions – including the Ice Rink, Santa’s Stories, West Princes Street Gardens Funfair, LNER Big Wheel and for the first time ever, the Around the World Star Flyer – are being gifted to local community groups and charities to join in the festive fun.
Unique Assembly, producers of Edinburgh’s Christmas are now keen to hear from charities and volunteer organisations working in communities across the capital.
Over 8,000 tickets in 2024 were gifted to over 160 local charities including those working with people with disabilities, young carers, refugees, and other disadvantaged groups, to ensure that Edinburgh’s Christmas is magical for as many as possible this festive season from funfair rides to meeting Santa himself.
Local groups and charities can apply now for tickets to this year’s event which will bring a dusting of Christmas sparkle to the Scottish capital from 15 November 2025 to 4 January 2026.
More information on this year’s highlights can be found on the edinburghs-christmas.com website.
Donations and money raised across both Edinburgh’s Christmas and Hogmanay festivals this year will be distributed to the event’s Official Charity Partners; One City Trust, When You Wish Upon A Star, Simon Community Scotland and Age Scotland. Last year visitors raised £11,000 for charity via donations made online when purchasing tickets and at fundraising points around Edinburgh’s Christmas and Hogmanay.
Unique Assembly will also soon announce a programme of free community-focused events at the iconic Ross Bandstand in West Princes Street Gardens.
Judith King, Scotland Fundraiser at When You Wish Upon A Star said: “We are truly honoured to be selected as one of the charity partners for Edinburgh’s Christmas and Hogmanay festival with their support, we can grant even more wishes for local children living with life-threatening or terminal illnesses.
“Edinburgh’s Christmas and Hogmanay are at the heart of our Wish family in Scotland. They consistently go above and beyond to support not only our wish-granting work but also our beloved Edinburgh Santa Fun Run and Walk, now in its 21st year.
“This festive season, their contribution will strengthen local communities, positively impact service users, and make a real difference for those who rely heavily on charitable support every day.
“We are proud to be part of Edinburgh Christmas Magic this year.”
Culture and Communities Convener Margaret Graham said: “With even more tickets available for communities and charities than ever before, I’m delighted that so many residents will have a chance to experience the magic of Edinburgh’s Christmas.
“It’s a small but meaningful way to say thank you and celebrate the incredible impact these groups have all year round.”
“I’d encourage organisations and charities to apply for tickets to make the most of what promises to be a truly memorable festive season for all.”
A Spokesperson for Unique Assembly, producers of Edinburgh’s Christmas said: “We’re delighted that so many community groups and charities in the city received free tickets last year and we’re building on that to offer even more Community Tickets this year.
“The work of community groups and charities in Edinburgh is more vital than ever, so offering free tickets to ensure that those most in need of some Christmas cheer can enjoy themselves this year, is hugely important to us.
“Whether you’re applying for tickets for your own organisation or want to support our wonderful charity partners with a donation, we encourage everyone to give what they can and support those who need it most this Christmas.”
The opportunity to apply is now open and the deadline for Community Ticket applications is 23:59 on Wednesday 05 November, and those who apply will hear about their tickets by Friday 07 November.
Residents with an EH postcode remain eligible for a 20% discount on tickets to all of Edinburgh’s Christmas events. For further information, visit the edinburgh-christmas.com website.
Organisations applying for community tickets can also get in touch at communities@unique-assembly.co.uk. Tickets are limited per application and applications should include details of your organisation’s aims and how you would like to use the tickets.
Edinburgh’s Christmas attractions are open daily from 15 November to 4 January, except Christmas Day, with varying opening dates and times available at the official website.
A new digital resource hub is now live to help Scotland’s voluntary sector navigate governance challenges.
The Governance Wiki, developed by Midlothian Community Action (MCA) in collaboration with third sector experts across Scotland, has officially launched during Small Charities Week 2025.
This free user-friendly platform offers accessible, up-to-date guidance for charities, community groups, and social enterprises on a range of governance topics—from legal obligations and board roles to compliance and risk management.
Backed by funding from the Tyne-Esk Community Led Local Development Fund, the Governance Wiki was created in response to increasing demand for governance support, particularly among smaller or volunteer-led organisations that often lack the capacity to access traditional training or keep pace with evolving regulations.
“We heard loud and clear from the sector that governance needs to be demystified and made accessible,” said Dr Lesley Kelly, MCA Chief Officer.
“The Governance Wiki brings together trusted resources curated from across the TSI Network, and also signposts users on to excellent existing resources from organisations such as SCVO and Evaluation Support Scotland.”
Collaborative and Community-Driven
The project was shaped through consultation with Third Sector Interfaces (TSIs) and sector stakeholders, with content led by an independent consultant from IBSM Ltd and developed in partnership with Glasgow Social Enterprise Network, Aberdeenshire Voluntary Action, and CVS Inverclyde.
The platform itself was built by Volunteer Edinburgh, drawing on the infrastructure of its successful Volunteer Wiki. Designed for ease of use, the site features intuitive navigation, mobile accessibility, and powerful search functions.
Looking Ahead
MCA is now working with the wider TSI Network to keep the Wiki current and relevant, with plans to:
– Continuously update and expand the content – Evaluate usage and gather feedback, beginning with an event at the TSI Conference in October – Collaborate with sector bodies to ensure alignment with governance best practices.
For more information or to explore the Wikis, visit:
