A pioneering scheme that has given community groups 300 days of free access to University buildings extended for a further five years, new plans reveal.
The Edinbards theatre group rehearse in a space provided by the Access to Rooms Scheme.
Since its launch in 2022, more than 180 local organisations across Edinburgh, Lothians and Fife have taken advantage of the institution’s Community Access to Rooms Scheme, saving them an estimated £55,000 in room hire costs.
The first initiative of its kind in the UK, it has provided rooms for a range of groups, including those supporting refugees, reading clubs and rehearsal space for music and amateur theatre societies.
The news comes as the Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Peter Mathieson reaffirmed a strong commitment to the University’s surrounding areas at the launch of the new Community Plan 2025-2030 on Wednesday 8 October.
Local school children take part in an Archaeology Scotland Community Dig supported by the University.
Created with our community
Shaped by 18 months of consultation and more than 600 interactions with residents, partners, staff and students, the plan sets out how the University will build on its long tradition as a civic institution.
The launch also marked a continued commitment to collaborating with local communities across the University’s teaching, research and operations, as well as plans to continue the Community Grants scheme, with at least 20 grants of up to £5,000 per year until 2030 planned.
Since the launch of the grants scheme in 2017, more than 330 projects have received awards, including a community archaeological dig in Dalkeith and supporting a charity to provide more than 1,000 counselling sessions in West Lothian. Submissions are now open for groups to apply for funding.
School pupils conducting a science experiment as part of the Castlebrae Superlab.
We were the first Scottish university to have a strategy aimed at nurturing our relationship with communities. It is a crucial part of our history, our present and our future. Our partnerships with city, region and communities are what ground us in our location, drive our innovation and support our recruitment.
Our new Community Plan has been developed hand in glove with our local communities, through months of consultation, and my hope is that they all see something of themselves in it in, which they can either benefit from or contribute to.
Professor Sir Peter Mathieson
Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Edinburgh
Partnering through projects
The new University strategy also underlines how it will build ties with community partners through projects.
These include the Binks Hub, which brings local residents together with academics, practitioners and policy-makers to co-create research that makes a difference to people’s everyday lives using arts and creativity.
A number of projects with local education providers extend access to learning and for young people, including Castlebrae Superlab, which gives high school pupils and the wider community hands-on experience in STEM subjects.
Edinburgh Giants wheelchair rugby club hosts matches in University sports facilities.
It has been great to have a space where we can meet that is quiet and free. Our budgets have been cut recently so we are grateful to have an opportunity to host meetings that don't affect our budget.
Paul Bruce
Director of the Edinburgh Short Film Festival
Strengthening support
A recent survey found that more than 90 per cent of respondents using the Community Access to Rooms Scheme valued the financial relief provided.
Others highlighted how access to University rooms has reduced isolation and strengthened community bonds, with 53 per cent of groups reporting improved social connection.
Organisers of projects receiving community grant funding observed that this support has helped develop programmes and improve the wellbeing of those accessing services.
The project has significantly improved the emotional wellbeing of those who accessed our services. We supported individuals facing complex and multiple needs including bereavement, anxiety, depression and past trauma.
