Are you part of a local group in Edinburgh, the Lothians, Borders or Fife? Our Community Grants Scheme is available to help bring your ideas to life. Applications are open until Friday 31 October.
View details on how to apply and sign up for our information session: https://edin.ac/489uqJU
Since the scheme began in 2017, we’ve awarded over £822,000 across 330 projects, supporting 252 local organisations to create change that matters to them.
Here’s what that looks like in action:
• Archaeology Scotland brought together 130 local residents for The Big Dig Dalkeith community archaeology project at Newbattle Abbey.
• Leith Sea Cadets replaced old training equipment, boosting confidence and belonging among young people.
• Craigsfarm Community Development Project supported 54 adults with mental health challenges through creative art sessions.
These grants are part of how we deliver on our new Community Plan 2025–30, launching soon. A plan shaped by your voices and built on shared goals for thriving, equal, connected communities.
The Edinburgh Union will host its second debate on Monday (6 October), with a panel of politicians and medical experts debating the motion: This House Welcomes the Legalisation of Assisted Dying.
The debate will feature Kenneth Gibson MSP representing the case for assisted dying. He will be opposite Dr Fiona MacCormick, the Scotland Representative for the Association for Palliative Medicine of Great Britain and Ireland (APM) and Dr Gordon Macdonald, CEO of Care Not Killing, representing the case against.
Two student speakers will also join the debate, taking opposing sides on the motion and bringing the perspectives of Edinburgh’s student body directly into the discussion.
This second event follows the success of the Edinburgh Union’s first debate on Scottish Independence last month, in which a panel of senior Scottish politicians debated to a full audience. This week’s debate is set to be a similar hit, with all 100 tickets selling out in just 4 hours.
The debate takes place just months after the Scottish assisted dying bill passed its first vote in Holyrood in May this year.
Founded in 2025, the Edinburgh Union, which is part of the Edinburgh Political Union, is the University of Edinburgh’s newest debating society. It seeks to provide an apolitical platform dedicated to open dialogue.
With political and social conversations growing increasingly polarised, the Union’s mission is to develop an environment where ideas can be challenged constructively and where participants from all backgrounds feel empowered to engage in discussion.
This semester, the Union will host fortnightly debates in Edinburgh’s iconic Rainy Hall at New College, bringing together speakers from across the political spectrum. Upcoming motions include This House Regrets Brexit and This House Believes Traditional Masculinity is Damaging to Men and Society.
Each debate will offer audience members, comprising students and academics from across Edinburgh with the opportunity to debate and challenge guest speakers from across the political spectrum.
As stated by Founder Finn Tyson:“The Edinburgh Union seeks to spark open dialogue in the capital city of Scotland.
“We want to give students and staff the chance to engage in-person with big ideas, challenge perspectives, and form their own views through reasoned debate – all in a way that reflects the diversity and voice of Scotland’s student population.
“ One of modern Britain’s most profound ethical, legal and personal questions is the legalisation of assisted dying. Despite fierce opposition Scotland, England and Wales stand on the brink of legalisation. This highly controversial issue is rooted in decades of public discourse, poignant personal stories, and evolving legislative efforts.
The Edinburgh Union will host its inaugural debate on Monday 22 September, with a panel of senior Scottish politicians debating the motion: This House Believes Scotland Should Be Independent.
The debate will feature Fergus Ewing MSP and Ben Macpherson MSP, representing the case for independence, opposite Baroness Annabel Goldie, former leader of the Scottish Conservatives, and Daniel Johnson MSP, representing the case against.
Adding to the politicians, two student speakers will join the debate, taking opposing sides on the motion, and bringing the perspectives of Edinburgh’s student body directly into the discussion.
The debate, taking place just months ahead of the 2026 Holyrood elections, promises to be a lively and timely discussion on one of the most contested questions in Scottish politics.
Founded in 2025, the Edinburgh Union, which is part of the Edinburgh Political Union, is the University of Edinburgh’s newest debating society.
It seeks to provide an apolitical platform dedicated to debate and open dialogue. With political and social conversations growing increasingly polarised, the Union’s mission is to develop an environment where ideas can be challenged constructively and where participants from all backgrounds feel empowered to engage in discussion.
This semester, the Union will host fortnightly debates in Edinburgh’s iconic Rainy Hall at New College, bringing together speakers from across the political spectrum. Upcoming motions include This House Welcomes the Legalisation of Assisted Dying and This House Believes Traditional Masculinity is Damaging to Men and Society.
Each debate will offer audience members, comprising students and academics from across Edinburgh with the opportunity to debate and challenge guest speakers from across the political spectrum.
President Finn Tyson said: ““The Edinburgh Union seeks to spark open dialogue in the capital, in a way that is not seen anywhere else in Scotland.
“We want to give students and staff the chance to engage in-person with big ideas, challenge perspectives, and form their own views through reasoned debate – all in away that reflects the diversity and voice of Scotland’s student population.
“More than a decade after the Better Together campaign’s victory in 2014, public opinion on Scottish independence remains deeply divided. That’s why we’re bringing in outstanding speakers from across the political spectrum to debate the issue – and to give our students the chance to question them directly.”
This spring, the University of Edinburgh gave over £44,000 in Community Grants to 10 amazing local groups across Edinburgh, Fife and the Lothians:
Safe Haven
Multi-Cultural Family Base
The Safe Haven project supports young refugees and asylum seekers aged 8 to 16 in Edinburgh, helping them settle into their new lives while coping with trauma and health challenges. Through organised outdoor and indoor activities, it provides a safe space to build confidence, improve physical and mental health, and overcome social barriers.
This project delivers free, hands-on workshops to schools in Edinburgh, Midlothian, West Lothian, and Fife, focusing on renewable energy technologies and green careers. The workshops aim to build pupils’ confidence, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, while providing teachers with curriculum-linked resources for sustained STEM engagement and future career exploration.
Recovery Through Music (in Prison)
Change Grow Live
Recovery Through Music (RTM) is a user-led creative project, developed two years ago with support from the Community Grant. Now expanding into prisons, RTM helps people in recovery reconnect with music, rebuild confidence, reduce reliance on opioid treatment, and continue their journey through ongoing support after release.
Communities Dig Dalkeith
Archaeology Scotland
Communities Dig Dalkeith is an exciting new project that brings people together through archaeology – with a focus on improving health & wellbeing, inclusion and community cohesion using intergenerational practice. By taking part in the project participants will develop the skills needed to explore place and past while connecting with others and sharing their own experiences, skills and knowledge.
This project aims to offer a safe, inclusive space for women experiencing symptoms associated with menopause to connect, share and co-design drop-in activities that support physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. Through peer support, expert input, and links to local services, it aims to reduce isolation, build confidence and create lasting, empowering networks.
Family Support service
Tailor Ed Foundation
This is a new innovative service in Edinburgh to help children who are waiting up to 4 years for an autism diagnosis and their families but who require support NOW. This hidden health inequality is creating 4 wasted years at the very time a child with autistic traits and families should be getting the support their current health needs and deserve
Art Workshops for Well-being for East Lothian Young Carers & The Finola Trust, Inspired by “The Rise and Fall of Dinosaurs” (Prof. Stephen Brusatte)
Shorelark Arts CIC
A series of mixed-media, inclusive, and accessible art workshops inspired by Professor Steve Brusatte’s book “The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs”. Blending art, palaeontology, and climate reflection, the workshops aim to support well-being through creative practice, culminating in a community exhibition and interactive open studio day at The Cockenzie Hub.
This project supports care-experienced and disadvantaged young people facing poverty, trauma, and emotional challenges which leaves them disconnected from school and the community. It offers a safe, creative environment where they can express themselves through art, improve emotional wellbeing, build resilience, and strengthen connections with schools, agencies, and their communities.
A new volunteer led outdoor social group for women which to reduce social isolation and loneliness and get you out and about, meeting new people and having fun. Visiting the places that YOU want to go to: castles; islands; palaces; woodlands; museums and art galleries – the past and the present at the same time! You will learn new stuff, make new friends and live a more active, fulfilling life.
Generations: Women in Basketball
We Play Together SCIO
To encourage young girls and women to engage in Basketball together through a generative programme that fosters connection, confidence & community. Additionally to broaden their understanding about the diverse pathways to take within the sport beyond simply playing – coaching, officiating, club administration.
THREE days free story telling and art workshop for 9 to 12 year olds to learn more about climate change with Joana.
This is a great opportunity to learn new illustration and story-making skills using a variety of techniques from an industry professional and have the opportunity to have their art exhibited and a chance to learn more about some of the science behind eco-anxiety!
By producing their own illustration and story, children will get chance to be part of the Scottish international storytelling Festival!!
At Stockbridge Library on Thursday 10th, 17th and 24th July from 10.30 to 1 pm.
How cancer resists treatment is the focus of a £1.5million Cancer Research UK project in Edinburgh to find new ways to tackle aggressive ovarian cancer.
Ovarian cancer is one of the most common difficult-to-treat cancers affecting women worldwide. In Scotland, around 600 people are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year, 7,600 in total across the UK.*
While ovarian cancer is typically responsive to initial chemotherapy, relapse – when cancer returns after treatment – remains a common and devastating occurrence.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh and Cancer Research UK Scotland Centre, are launching an innovative study focused on understanding how a particular mechanism known as epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) contributes to chemoresistance in ovarian cancer.
EMT is a natural process in the body where epithelial cells, which line organs and tissues to form barriers, change their role to become mesenchymal cells, which are more flexible and capable of rebuilding and repair.
Some aggressive cancers use this process to repair and resist damage to cancer cells caused by chemotherapy and use it to improve their mobility to invade other parts of the body (metastasis).
Lead researcher Dr Robb Hollis, of the Institute of Genetics and Cancer at the University of Edinburgh and Cancer Research UK Scotland Centre, said:“Ovarian cancer remains one of the most challenging cancers to treat. The main problem being the development of treatment resistance if cancer comes back after initially successful treatment.
“Ovarian carcinosarcoma, a particularly rare type of ovarian cancer, provides a unique opportunity for research as it arises directly through the EMT process, which has been linked to treatment resistance.
“By identifying the molecular triggers of EMT and chemoresistance, we aim to make a real difference for ovarian cancer patients by finding new treatments that target these molecular triggers.”
The molecular switches that activate EMT and contribute to chemoresistance at different stages of the disease will be a key focus, and the research will compare samples taken at diagnosis, at relapse and from both primary and metastatic sites.
It is hoped to identify and validate new therapeutic approaches that could be used to prevent or reverse chemoresistance.
These therapeutic approaches could then be fast-tracked into clinical trials, improving the likelihood of success due to the well-established dosing and toxicity profiles of some already investigated drugs.
Cancer Research UK Director of Research, Dr Catherine Elliott, said:“The identification of the impact of mechanisms like EMT, which have the potential to help cancer cells resist treatment, is crucial for our ultimate goal of improving outcomes and survival rates.
“The results of this study could significantly enhance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms that underlie chemoresistance in ovarian cancer and could help lead to new treatment options for patients in the future.”
While this research is focused on ovarian cancer, the findings will be relevant to other cancer types where EMT is implicated in drug resistance.
Insights gained could potentially be applied to a wide range of cancers, contributing to the development of new therapeutic strategies that can overcome chemoresistance.
Still figuring out what to study at university? This two-week summer course offered by the University of Edinburgh Summer School could be the perfect next step for those interested in science
Our Using Data in the Sciences summer course is designed for 16–18 year olds who are keen to explore subjects like biology, chemistry, physics, geoscience and more!
Students will get hands-on with real data, build critical thinking skills, and experience what university life is really like
It’s a great opportunity to explore university life and grow confidence before making big academic decisions!
This summer, the Museum of Edinburgh presents two inspiring exhibitions celebrating the powerful relationship between wellbeing, nature, and place, each told through unique creative lenses:
Nature Through Nurture: Wellbeing and the Natural World in Children’s Books
Thu 1 May to Sun 7 Sep 2025
Developed in partnership between the Museum of Childhood and Scotland’s Early Literature for Children Initiative (SELCIE) at the University of Edinburgh, Nature Through Nurture delves into the enduring presence of the natural world in children’s literature over the past 150 years.
Flowers, trees, animals, insects and birds feature heavily in children’s books, set in both the real world and imaginary worlds. Children’s books from the last 150 years will be on display with beautiful illustrations, poetry and information about how to find green spaces throughout Edinburgh.
The positive influences of nature on mental health and wellbeing will be examined alongside a programme of public events for children and families.
Dr Sarah Dunnigan, Senior Lecturer, School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures at the University of Edinburgh and co-founder of SELCIE said:“The partnership between SELCIE and the Museum of Childhood for the Nurture through Nature exhibition beautifully highlights how children’s books can connect young readers to the natural world.
“This collaboration brings together literature, history, and nature in a way that we hope will inspire visitors to explore Edinburgh’s green spaces and reflect on the links between nature and well-being.
“The project has also made accessible many previously uncatalogued books from the Museum of Childhood collection, with several being displayed publicly for the first time. This collection is of great significance, and we look forward to continuing our partnership in the future.
Wellbeing in the City: Feel-Good Places in and Around Edinburgh
Thu 10 Apr to Sun 31 Aug 2025
Created by participants of photography and creative writing courses run by Access to Industry, this exhibition offers personal and heartfelt reflections on the places in Edinburgh that inspire calm, joy, and connection.
Each member of the photography course has chosen a place in and around Edinburgh that makes them feel good. The group visited every place nominated to take photos and have selected their favourites to present in the exhibition.
The creative writing group have produced short pieces of writing about places or activities in Edinburgh that make them feel well.
Helen Murray, Encompass Caseworker from Access to Industry said: “Access to Industry are delighted to have been able to work with Museums and Galleries Edinburgh on the joint project, Wellbeing in the City – feel good places in and around Edinburgh.
“We support clients with complex barriers to employment, many of whom have suffered trauma, isolation and marginalisation. This project has been run with our wellbeing through photography group, PAGE, and our Creative Writing group.
“It has enabled participants to enjoy improved wellbeing on trips they have chosen and reflect on what makes them feel well. We are now extremely pleased to be able to share these places and that sense of wellness with local residents and visitors from far and wide.
City of Edinburgh Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “These exhibitions beautifully highlight how nature and place shape our sense of wellbeing from childhood through adulthood.
“By showcasing stories, creativity, and lived experience, this summer the Museum of Edinburgh invites us all to reconnect with the natural world and discover the restorative spaces that exist all around us.”
Looking for wee scientists aged 17-19 months! 
Our Using Data in the Sciences summer course is designed for 16–18 year olds who are keen to explore subjects like biology, chemistry, physics, geoscience and more!
It’s a great opportunity to explore university life and grow confidence before making big academic decisions! 
