For thousands of years, people around the world have used fermentation and pickling to make and preserve food, handing the knowledge down through generations.
Whether you are a total beginner, or already surrounded by bubbling jars, come along to this celebration of human x microbe collaboration.
Edinburgh Agroecology Co-op, Grass Roots Remedies and Rhyze Mushrooms are hosting a fermentation and pickling Tasting Fair, tours and workshops, and opening our brand new food processing space.
A funding boost of £110,000 has been awarded to Edinburgh Communities Climate Action Network (ECCAN) to support its continued work as a Climate Action Hub – helping communities across the capital tackle climate change and build local resilience.
Mark Dowey, Network Lead, ECCAN, said “Community climate action depends on accessible funding. In Edinburgh, ECCAN member groups undertake substantive and transformative work in their communities – improving their lives and places through a front-foot, can-do attitude in the face of the climate emergency. As Edinburgh’s Climate Hub, we are delighted to support them to deliver this meaningful change with our Greenlight seedgrant funding.
“Thank you to Foundation Scotland who have now almost doubled the amount available via Greenlight in 2025-26. This increase in funding will make a real difference across the city – delivering worthwhile climate action projects by the community, for the community.
“Please join ECCAN and apply to Greenlight to fund your community climate project”
The award is part of a wider £500,000 investment by Foundation Scotland to five Community Climate Action Hubs across central Scotland, including those in Glasgow, Forth Valley, Dundee and East Dunbartonshire.
Scotland’s 24 Climate Action Hubs, supported by the Scottish Government, aim to empower local communities to lead climate action at a local level – providing tailored support, funding opportunities and access to expertise.
Through growing climate literacy, social confidence and practical life skills such as cooking, repairing, growing and sharing, they help build more capable and sustainable communities.
The Scottish Government has already allocated £5.5 million across 2024-2025 to support this network of regional community climate action hubs. Foundation Scotland’s funding will help hubs like ECCAN further enable a shift from short-term project cycles to building longer-term resilience in central Scotland.
It will support hubs to distribute more grants to grassroots groups, so that communities gain the tools, knowledge, and financial support needed to drive meaningful climate action from the ground up.
Awards made:
Edinburgh: £110,000 to Edinburgh Communities Climate Action Network (ECCAN)
Glasgow: £110,000 to the Glasgow Climate Action Hub partnership
Forth Valley: £80,000 to FEL Scotland
East Dunbartonshire: £50,000 to Twechar Community Action, for an outreach officer employed until March 2027
Dundee: £55,000 to Dundee Changemakers Hub
Foundation Scotland is also providing £95,000 to support the development of a multi-hub climate adaptation initiative to work in more traditionally disadvantaged communities.
FEL Scotland will act as a lead partner, coordinating spend and learning and sharing this across the national network. This includes working with other Climate Hubs to support the development of a climate adaptation initiative to work in more traditionally disadvantaged communities. £95,000 has been allocated for this work.
Rachel Searle, Head of Communities and Impact at Foundation Scotland said:“We know that in face of the continuing climate emergency we all need to take action to increase resilience and adapt to the impacts of climate change. That’s why Growing Climate Action and Sustainable Natural Environments is one of Foundation Scotland’s impact themes.
“Providing this funding to five of central Scotland’s climate hubs will enhance their ability to respond to increasing demand and interest from communities to take action to tackle climate change locally. We’re looking forward to hearing how this funding helps with that.”
Clara Walker, Executive Director at FEL Scotland said:“We are grateful to Foundation Scotland for this investment, which complements existing Scottish Government funding and supports a crucial step forward for a number of Climate Action Hubs in central Scotland.
“Importantly, this funding enables us to explore and share learning across the wider network of 24 hubs, helping us understand how community funding can be scaled to create the most positive impact – particularly for the communities that need it most.”
Climate Action Secretary Gillian Martin said: “Established by the Scottish Government, Scotland’s Climate Hubs play an influential role in their local communities, and provide valuable support and inspiration for people looking to take climate action.
“This funding from Foundation Scotland will support grassroot activity through five of our hubs – making a huge difference to people who want to make a positive change in their communities.
“It is a fantastic endorsement of the work carried out by Climate Hubs across the country and their ability to support and drive local change.”
Looking for something to do towards the end of Fringe? This is an ECCAN member outing to see “A Citizens’ Assembly” on Wednesday, August 20th at 1:30 PM. This is a fantastic opportunity to engage with a thought-provoking piece of theatre and connect with fellow ECCAN members.
About the Show: “A Citizens’ Assembly”
This isn’t just a play; it’s an immersive experience where we are the citizens, and this is our assembly! Part of the “Plays For The People” series, this new work invites the audience to become the actors in the story. The central questions revolve around the climate emergency: What are we doing? What are we not doing? What more could and should we be doing? Be prepared to join the debate and be part of the story!
We also have a limited number of tickets available, email edinburgh@eccan.scot to book your spot.
Ready to explore what people power means in the face of nature breakdown? We’re giving away tickets to a powerful and FREE Fringe show, “A Citizen’s Assembly“!
This ECCAN outing is an opportunity to:
Engage with a unique theatrical experience that puts you at the heart of the climate conversation.
Meet new people
Discover what’s possible when we come together.
“A Citizen’s Assembly” is an immersive experience where we are the citizens, grappling with the climate emergency: What are we doing? What are we not doing?
What more could and should we be doing? Be prepared to join the debate and be part of the story!
Summer is here and our July Climate Bites event will be hosted by … Earth in Common!
When? Thursday, July 17 at 12.30pm
Where? Leith Community Croft
Whether you’re interested in learning more about our hosts, having a catch-up with other network members or talk about a climate issue that is important to you, this is the place to be!
Greenlight – ECCAN’s Seedgrant Funding Opens June 16th!
We are excited to announce that this year we will be sharing £115K for climate action projects delivered by community groups within the city of Edinburgh. We will also accept applications from individuals on behalf of informal groups.
Organisations and groups can apply for grants in the following categories:
Grants of up to £20,000 each (large grants for co-designed projects with partner working) – nominally two awards.
Grants of up to £10,000 each (large grants – can be co-designed) – nominally two awards.
Grants of up to £5,000 each (medium grants) – nominally 4 awards.
Grants up to a value of £1,000 each.
Small grants of up to £500. For individuals or informal groups the limit is £350.
You need to be an ECCAN member to apply (membership is free).
For more information, check our website on the day:
Bring our vibrant community to your space, spark conversations over great food, and connect your network with ECCAN’s work!
As a host, you’ll create a welcoming space for collaboration while receiving a hosting fee to support your efforts. Already provide community meals? We’ll also cover through an additional catering fee!
Calling all community activists in Newhaven / Trinity / Granton / West Pilton – can you share your ideas about how decisions should be made on heating system changes coming within 5-15 years?
– How to tackle fuel poverty? Stop energy leaking out of homes!
– After gas … what? Heat pumps or heat networks?
These are big technical options being discussed right now by the Scottish Government and the City Council.
– Do you want a say in the new arrangements the infrastructure needed?
– Share your views on what will happen when gas no longer heats homes / workplaces.
– Could a Local Place Plan / a Local Energy Plan help?
This online workshop is for community organisers and residents interested in the issues. It will inform future funding applications and support for community organisations looking to take control of their journey to a low carbon future.
Calling all community activists in Newhaven / Trinity / Granton / West Pilton – can you share your ideas about how decisions should be made on heating system changes coming within 5-15 years?
– How to tackle fuel poverty? Stop energy leaking out of homes!
– After gas … what? Heat pumps or heat networks?
These are big technical options being discussed right now by the Scottish Government and the City Council.
– Do you want a say in the new arrangements the infrastructure needed?
– Share your views on what will happen when gas no longer heats homes / workplaces.
– Could a Local Place Plan / a Local Energy Plan help?
This online workshop is for community organisers and residents interested in the issues. It will inform future funding applications and support for community organisations looking to take control of their journey to a low carbon future.
Engage with a unique theatrical experience that puts you at the heart of the climate conversation.
Check link in our bio for more info
When? Thursday, July 17 at 12.30pm
Where? Leith Community Croft
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Host a Climate Bites Lunch with ECCAN
