We are excited to announce new evening Alterations & Mending classes with @frank_franciaclothing! These classes will be on Thursday evenings 6 – 8pm, running from 24th October – 21st November.
Looking to learn or refine your sewing skills? These drop-in sewing classes are perfect for everyone, from beginners to experienced sewers! We will have the fantastic Francia on hand to support your learning. Bring your own clothes or garments for repair and alteration, or bring your own fabric to create something new. All equipment and some materials are provided.
The best part? These sessions are free! We do suggest a donation of £5 to support the centre, but there’s no need to commit to every week—just come when you can!
Join us for some creative fun and skill-building in a supportive space
Support for Climate Action and Innovation in Edinburgh’s Communities
The Edinburgh Communities Climate Action Network (ECCAN) is excited to announce the recipients of its annual GreenLight Seedgrant Fund, worth £100,000.
The overwhelming response to this year’s grant, with applications totalling £386,522 from 49 organisations, underscores a strong desire across the city to drive meaningful climate action.
This year’s awardees reflect a wide spectrum of grassroots campaigns and innovative, community-driven solutions aimed at tackling the climate crisis. These projects will contribute to a more sustainable and resilient future for Edinburgh, building upon the creative and impactful work that is already happening in our communities.
The GreenLight Funding Awards were presented at ECCAN’s Autumn Assembly on Wednesday (25th September). This gathering brought together members, individuals, and policymakers from across Edinburgh.
The event was held in alignment with Scottish Government’s Climate Week, a celebration of the positive climate action being taken across the country, whilst inspiring further collective, transformative change.
Seed Grant Funding Across Key Categories
TWENTY-ONE recipients were selected for the GreenLight fund, with projects spanning several critical areas, including:
1. Mitigate climate change: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and damaging environmental impacts.
2. Biodiversity Protection: Initiatives that protect, enhance, or increase local biodiversity.
3. Climate Adaptation and Resilience: Projects helping communities adapt to and build resilience against the impacts of climate change.
4. Climate Awareness and Action: Raising awareness and inspiring action on climate-related issues.
5. Community Collaboration: Encouraging communities, organisations, and residents to work together in addressing the climate emergency.
A Commitment to a Sustainable Future
Mark Dowey, ECCAN Network Lead, said: “ECCAN is proud to support these exceptional individuals and organisations. The GreenLight Seedgrant Fund not only sustains the progress already being made in Edinburgh’s communities, but it also serves as a catalyst for others to join the collective fight against climate change.
“We were blown away by the ambition and energy of the 49 applications we received. It was incredibly challenging to narrow it down to 21 awardees, however we believe that the projects we’ve selected are set to make a real difference in Edinburgh.
“I am excited to see the impact these initiatives will have in the coming months, and I hope we can continue to build on this momentum as we continue to ambitiously tackle climate change.”
THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS ARE:
Edible Estates
Earth in Common
The Edinburgh Tool Library
Porty Community Energy
BANZAI – Bruntsfield Area Net Zero Action Initiative
Bikes for Refugees (Scotland) SCIO
The Meaning Map Project
Rhyze Mushrooms Cooperative CIC
Drylaw and Telford Community Association
EALA Impacts CIC
Youth Vision
Broomhouse Community Growers Association
Bridgend Farmhouse
Edinburgh Building Retrofit & Improvement Collective (EdinBRIC)
To and from Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre (you can start with us 10.20 at Granton Station).
The route will take in Granton Station, Granton Gas Tower, Granton Walled Garden and Dovecot, the new history mural, Granton Lighthouse, Caroline Park, the ‘Going to the Beach’ sculpture, Granton Hub, Granton Square and Granton Harbour.
Bring a pack lunch, water and something to sit on. Please wear suitable clothes for the weather.
Book via Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre by phoning 0131 315 4989 or messaging us
As we approach Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre’s 30th Birthday next year, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the vibrant history of our community.
We’re reaching out to you, our friends and neighbours, to help us celebrate this milestone by sharing your cherished memories of Drylaw & Telford over the years.
Whether it’s a story from the early days, a favourite event, or a simple moment that captures the spirit of our community, we’d love to hear it. Your memories, old or new, are an important part of what makes this place so special.
Please join us in preserving and celebrating our shared history by sharing your stories with us!
Get in touch if you’d like more information, or just pop along to one of the sessions!
Reminiscence Sessions are starting on Monday – 19th August!
Come along for a blether and help us build our memory book of Drylaw and Telford. This group is open to anyone with a connection to Drylaw and Telford, whether you have lived there your whole life, just arrived or have a different connection to the area.
Join us next Monday for an inspiring Walk & Talk around Lauriston Farm with nature expert Leonie Alexander!
Explore this regenerative community farm—a stunning 100-acre haven in North West Edinburgh, overlooking the beautiful Firth of Forth. Since winter 2021, EAC has been transforming Lauriston into a vibrant space teeming with food production, biodiversity, and community spirit.
Date: Next Monday
Time: 10 AM – 2 PM
Meeting Point: DRYLAW NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE
Bus to Toby Carvery entrance to Lauriston Farm at 10:30 AM
More than fifty people representing community organisations from across North Edinburgh attended the ‘Garden Party’ held by R2 at Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre on Tuesday.
The networking and information event, which was also attended by politicians Ben MacPherson MSP and new MP Tracy Gilbert, was a great success and initial feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.
R2 Coordinator Anita Aggarwal said: “We were more than 50 people and it sounded like there was lots of good chat.
“Thanks again to everyone who contributed, particularly the team at Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre, Jed for the tunes and Scran for tasty food. You can see the lovely picture of us all here Facebook
“I also collected a lot of information about what you want from and can offer to R2. I’ve attached what I have heard so far.
“If you weren’t at the meeting yesterday (or have thought of something else) you can still feedback your thoughts on R2 by completing this short form:
“And one more request for information: I’m trying to build a better sense of what organisations have to offer, so please, if you haven’t already, could you also complete this little table for your organisation – you’ll see some examples in the notes attached.
Organisation
Strengths of my organisation that I could share
Stuff that my organisation has that I could lend
Eg R2
Knowledge of organisations in north EdinburghFund raising experienceUnderstanding and experience of Community Development and Participatory Action Research
Post it notes
“Please respond by end of Monday 26 August.
“I’ll use what you tell me to inform the workplan for R2 for the next few months.”
DAVE P. writes: I had the pleasure of hosting a session where local projects were offered a five-minute opportunity to talk about their activities and share what they are up to with others.
North Edinburgh has a wealth of amazing organisations supporting our community and it was fantastic to learn what is being achieved across the area, despite the many challenges faced by North Edinburgh’s third sector groups.
Many thanks, then, to Adele (North Edinburgh Community Festival), Sarah (NEDAC), Jed (Tinderbox), John (Community Renewal), Lynn and Rebecca (North Edinburgh Childcare), Billy (Royston Wardieburn Community Centre), Anna (Granton Goes Greener), Holly (National Galleries Scotland), Tom (Pianodrome), Debbie (Muirhouse Housing Association) and city council engagement officer Elaine Lennon for your positive contributions!
We are excited to announce new evening Alterations & Mending classes with Frank Francia! These classes will be on a Thursday evening 6-8pm, running from 8th – 29th August.
Looking to learn or refine your sewing skills? These drop-in sewing classes are perfect for everyone, from beginners to experienced sewers! We will have the fantastic Francia on hand to support your learning. Bring your own clothes or garments for repair and alteration, or bring your own fabric to create something new. All equipment and some materials are provided.
The best part? These sessions are free! We do suggest a donation of £5 or more to help cover costs, but there’s no need to commit to every week—just come when you can!
Join us for some creative fun and skill-building in a suppportive space
The best part? These sessions are free! We do suggest a donation of £5 to support the centre, but there’s no need to commit to every week—just come when you can!
11am – 12:30pm
19th August
EXCITING EVENT ALERT !!! 
Date: Next Monday
Meeting Point: DRYLAW NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE
Bus to Toby Carvery entrance to Lauriston Farm at 10:30 AM
Vegetarian picnic provided!
A rucksack/bag
Good walking shoes
Waterproof jacket
