Highlights from our local news and events. Collaborating to enhance literacy The Craigmillar Literacy Trust is an important charity in Edinburgh that supports literacy skills in the Craigmillar. Meet our new Social Impact Manager Aidan Tracey is our new Social Impact Manager, and will be helping to deliver positive change in local communities. Out and about at local festivals The Department for Social Responsibility and Sustainability recently connected with the local community through two local festivals. University announces further investment in social housing fund Through its Social Investment Fund, the University of Edinburgh has invested a further £1 million to enable UK charities and social enterprises to provide homes for their service users. University outreach centre provides new space for community projects and partnerships Located on the busy thoroughfare of Nicolson Street in Edinburgh’s Southside, the new outreach centre has to date been used by a range of community projects and partnerships based at the University. Edinburgh Giants: Transforming Lives Through Inclusive Wheelchair Rugby Sport can be more than just fun and games. Sport can transform lives, bringing us together and making us stronger. The Edinburgh Giants Wheelchair Rugby League (WHRL) Club is a great example of this. University Celebrates Economic and Social Impact in the Local Community On Thursday 5 October, the University welcomed community organisations, staff and local politicians to Dovecot Studios for an evening of performances and talks to celebrate the economic and social impact which the University has had on the local community. Doors Open Days 2023 Doors Open Days this year will take place on the 23rd - 24th September 2023. Groundswell make a splash Groundswell Scotland is a surf therapy non-profit organisation for trauma recovery. They facilitate programmes designed to improve and develop self-regulation, embodiment practices and healing tools through surfing’s connection to nature, community and self. Empowering communities: University scheme provides space for growth and collaboration Community groups that hold an affiliation with the University (e.g. through a link with staff, students or a University community grant) can hire a number of University rooms for free. Walk with a Doc Initiative Boosts Health, Happiness, and Community in Edinburgh's Saughton Park Local organisation provides valuable time with a doctor for individuals with long-term health conditions, improving their health and wellbeing. Community Grants - Delivering Social Impact Since launching a Community Grant scheme in 2017, the University of Edinburgh has invested over £555,000 in more than 210 community projects in south-east Scotland. Dr Bell’s Family Centre Dr Bell’s Family Centre aims to be a welcoming place where families with young children in Leith can get encouragement, support and advice in a relaxed atmosphere. Volunteer Week: Cultivating community at Lauriston Farm On 2 May, 23 Edinburgh Innovations staff used their volunteer Day to Make a Difference at Lauriston Farm, a community-based initiative transforming an area of land into an urban food production and community hub. Bridgend Farmhouse Bridgend Farmhouse is a community-owned centre, located in south Edinburgh. This charitable organisation operates out of a renovated farmhouse and is an inclusive space for locals to learn, work and strengthen community involvement. Get involved in Volunteers' Week 2023 Volunteers’ Week 2023 is taking place 1-7 June, and we’d like to take a moment to celebrate our staff and students at the University of Edinburgh who dedicate their time to volunteering to support their local communities. Local partnership equips people with skills for a digital world The University of Edinburgh is pleased to continue their collaboration with local organisation, Access to Industry, hosting digitisation workshops for Access to Industry’s service users. Youth Vision’s Community Sensory Garden The University of Edinburgh are proud to have funded Youth Vision’s Community Sensory Garden through its Community Grants Scheme. Principal of the University of Edinburgh signs Social Impact Pledge In February 2023, the Principal of the University of Edinburgh signed a Social Impact Pledge, reaffirming the institution’s commitment to improve its social impact. New community partnership between the University of Edinburgh and People Know How The University of Edinburgh and People Know How have recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding, marking a new era of collaboration between the two organisations. University of Edinburgh backs fund that aims to diversify social investments The University of Edinburgh has committed to invest in a new fund that supports entrepreneurs from underrepresented backgrounds. 2022 news Edinburgh local news from 2022. Doors Open Days 2022 | Visit this weekend! We are delighted that Doors Open Days are back for 2022! The University has been a long-standing participant in Doors Open Days, which gives you the opportunity to look inside some incredible buildings and find out more about what goes on behind closed doors. Preston Street Primary School Celebrates 125th Anniversary Preston Street Primary School celebrated its 125th anniversary by enabling students to learn about its history through the University of Edinburgh’s heritage collections. Refugee Week Earlier this year, countless people across the globe watched in disbelief as Russian forces invaded Ukraine. To mark this year’s Refugee Week, it seems fitting to focus on the ongoing crisis in Ukraine and speak to staff who have been doing all they can to help. Sew good! - University finds new homes for sewing machines Last year Edinburgh College of Art (ECA) and the Waste and Furniture Management team in Estates rehomed more than 40 serviced and working industrial sewing machines to the local community. Our Edinburgh Neighbourhood - call for engagement Our Edinburgh Neighbourhood is a project looking at improving community consultations. A new Urban Room will be located in Waverley Mall from 14 June to 8 July. Discover more about Gaelic in Edinburgh during World Gaelic Week | Faigh a-mach barrachd mun Ghàidhlig an Dùn Èideann rè Seachdain na Gàidhlig The University of Edinburgh have updated its successful Gaelic in Edinburgh leaflet and will be distributing 12,000 copies across the city in conjunction with the inaugural World Gaelic Week (Seachdain na Gàidhlig), 21-27 March. Tha Oilthigh Dhùn Èideann air a’ bhileag shoirbheachail aige mu Ghàidhlig ann an Dùn Èideann ùrachadh agus thèid 12,000 lethbhreac a sgaoileadh air feadh a’ bhaile airson a’ chiad Seachdain na Gàidhlig (World Gaelic Week) riamh, air 21-27 Màrt. Festival brings together live music and experts to offer mental health support to Edinburgh residents The Festival of Positive Psychology will bring talks, live music, performance, art and games about public mental health to Edinburgh on 5 March. Engaging young people in climate change Rowanbank Environmental Arts & Education's ground-breaking circus show, funded through the Community Grants Scheme, has been helping young people in Craigmillar learn about the environment. 2021 Edinburgh Gaelic Festival launched The Edinburgh Gaelic Festival (Seachdain na Gàidhlig) will take place 5-12 November 2021, celebrating Edinburgh’s Gaelic community and Gaelic’s place in the capital city. Local communities in Edinburgh region do their bit for COP26 In the run up to COP26, The University of Edinburgh ran 'The Green Micro-grants' - a grants scheme for community projects with the natural environment and social impact at their heart. 2021 news Ed Local news from 2021. Doors Open Days 2021 The University of Edinburgh's home for information on Doors Open Days on 25 and 26 September 2021. Welcoming back students to Edinburgh Edinburgh's four universities have come together with a message for our local communities. Collaboration in action: Tollcross residents and Edinburgh Book Festival An exciting new project has emerged from the Tollcross Community Action Network. Dear Lothian: all aboard the summer arts programme! Young people in Edinburgh and East Lothian will develop transitioning skills through a University Museums partnership project this summer. Curious Edinburgh photo presented to US President A photo taken by a University of Edinburgh staff member has made it to the White House. The photo is of a mural that is part of the BLM Mural Trail. University contributes £1m into social investment fund to tackle homelessness in Edinburgh The University of Edinburgh has partly funded a £5m investment into Simon Community Scotland, an award-winning charity that helps people experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Central Scotland. Get involved in Volunteers' Week 2021 Volunteers’ Week 2021 is taking place 1-7 June, and we’d like to take a moment to celebrate volunteers at the University of Edinburgh. New community centre for Craigmillar is open! Education charity IntoUniversity, the University of Edinburgh and the University of Glasgow have launched local education centres in Craigmillar and Govan, offering ground-breaking support to local young people. University donates to local organisations The University's Accommodation, Catering and Events team (ACE) do their best to reduce waste and support local organisation wherever they can. Data comic highlights crime trends in Scotland The data comic, and associated worksheets, were developed in order to consolidate and summarise a substantial body of research that had been produced over more than twenty years by members of the Law School at the University of Edinburgh. 60 seconds with Gavin Donoghue: our reformed Community Board We spoke to Gavin Donoghue, Deputy Director of Stakeholder Relations, to hear about how the recently reformed Community Board is designed to help the University achieve the commitments laid out in the Community Plan. Otter spotting in Edinburgh This January, a friendly otter was spotted by a member of our Community Team. University of Edinburgh signs up to vision for city The Principal of the University of Edinburgh, Professor Peter Mathieson is the latest person to sign the 2050 Edinburgh Charter, joining other organisations and representatives of the city such as the Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Cllr Frank Ross. 2020 news Ed Local news from 2020. University reaffirms its commitment to the city with new Community Plan The University has published a new Community Plan 2020-25. The plan outlines how we plan to bring about positive social impact and act responsibly and collaboratively with communities in our local region. Community benefit in action We have been working with Balfour Beatty to make sure our local communities benefit from the large projects ongoing across the city. Sowing the seed for successful local projects The University is proud to be able to support, and work alongside, local organisations and charities in Edinburgh and the surrounding areas through our Community Grants Scheme. Doors Open Days 2020 The University of Edinburgh's home for information on Doors Open Days on 26 and 27 September 2020. Welcoming back students to Edinburgh's universities Edinburgh's four universities have come together with a message for our local communities. University supports local action through emergency micro-grants fund Many local organisations have had to pause their day-to-day activities to respond to the health crisis in their communities. As part of its response to Covid-19, the University has set up an emergency micro-grants fund to support these organisations in their essential work. Community’s pandemic response receives University support Projects supporting those most severely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic in Edinburgh and the surrounding areas have been awarded funding from the University of Edinburgh. BioQuarter boxes given out to Edinburgh pupils to inspire next generation of scientists Curiosity boxes packed with fun STEM (science, technology, engineering, and maths) activities have been given the thumbs up by primary school pupils in Edinburgh. University and Balfour Beatty mark Eid by making donation The University of Edinburgh and their construction partners Balfour Beatty have marked Eid by making a donation to families involved in the Syrian Futures Project. Staff get a day of paid leave to volunteer in community The importance of voluntary work is recognised by the University, as staff are encouraged to volunteer. Object(s) of the Month: Parthenon Friezes at ECA The originals of these panels would have decorated the walls of Athens’ Parthenon in Greece. Object(s) of the Month: Ashworth Building Reliefs Did you know that the University has several pieces of public art across our campuses? Edinburgh Local Update The Edinburgh Local Team would like to share how we will be working during the ongoing Coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak. Placement Strikes a Chord The University is helping locals like John Williamson gain valuable new skills. Object(s) of the Month: Simplicity to Grandeur This month we have two objects of the month: both are harpsichords which one of our volunteers, John Williamson, chose to highlight the variety of instruments available to view at St Cecilia’s Hall. Join our Team We are looking for a Community Engagement Projects Coordinator to run community engagement projects throughout the city. Community grants hit £200k milestone A clinic for homeless people's pets, a data literacy club and a choir for refugees are among recent local projects to be backed by our grants. Object of the month: Winsome Douglass Cushion Winsome Douglass was an embroiderer from Hartlepool, well-known for her bold and bright designs, which often featured animals. University joins 'Food Waste Revolution' The University of Edinburgh has joined food-waste fighting app 'Too Good to Go'. 2019 news Ed local news from 2019. Object(s) of the month: Discovery Drawers Have you ever wondered how a bassoon reed is made? Or how the uses and prices of recorders have changed through time? University Joins Forces with Charteris Centre The University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Greyfriars Charteris Centre to support the local community. Object of the month: Chinese headdress This rather cheeky-looking child’s headdress from China is one of the key objects soon to be on display in the Main Library’s exhibition Touching Stitches. Digital Skills Blog Find out what it's like to be a volunteer or student on our Digital Skills course. Congratulations to Castleview Dr Cathy Southworth from the Centre for Regenerative Medicine (CRM) has played a key role in Community Engagement at Castleview Primary School, which has recently been recognised at a prestigious awards ceremony. Object of the month: The Buglet Meet the bicycle buglet... 2019 Edinburgh Gaelic Festival launched The Edinburgh Gaelic Festival (Seachdain na Gàidhlig) is a city-wide festival, taking place 8-16 November 2019 and celebrating Edinburgh’s Gaelic community, past and present. More University buildings to open their doors to the public this month The University of Edinburgh is opening its doors to the public as part of the Doors Open Days on 28 and 29 September. University Makes Positive Pledge The University of Edinburgh has signed a pledge to make a positive social impact through its work with the local community. The Local and the Global The Business School recently hosted a multi-cultural 'Human Library' event. Object of the month: Dancing Photo This rather elegant photo features in Body Language, the current exhibition on at the University’s Main Library. Cartoon hero adds colour to quad for charity trail An eye-catching sculpture of much-loved national icon 'Oor Wullie' is to take centre stage in the University’s Old College quad this summer. Object of the month: Indian Mayuri Lute Every month we feature a fascinating object that's on display in one of the University's museums and galleries. You're invited to come along to the exhibition and see it for yourself! This month: an Indian Mayuri lute Edinburgh Local Showcase: Engagement in the Curriculum On Tuesday 14 May the University hosted a showcase of some of the fantastic work being carried out by our students in partnership with local schools and community organisations. Object of the month: Florence Nightingale’s Lace Cap Every month we feature a fascinating object that's on display in one of the University's museums and galleries. You're invited to come along to the exhibition and see it for yourself! This month: Florence Nightingale’s Lace Cap. Object of the month: Gaita gallega (Galician bagpipes) Every month we feature a fascinating object that's on display in one of the University's museums and galleries. You're invited to come along to the exhibition and see it for yourself! Community Grants Scheme now open! Bids are invited for grants that help local groups make greater impact across the city. Public light show at city landmark honours student’s charitable legacy On 25 March, hundreds of fibre optic flowers will illuminate the University of Edinburgh’s Old College quadrangle to honour a remarkable student who founded a charity during her studies. All are welcome to the Festival of Creative Learning 2019! We are delighted to invite YOU to join us for the 2019 Festival of Creative Learning, a week of innovative learning events at the University of Edinburgh, taking place 18th-22nd February 2019. This year we have more events than ever that are open to the public, so it really is not to be missed! Estates Team raise over £5,500 for dementia research The Estates Department at the University of Edinburgh have found creative ways in 2018 to raise vital money for the Centre for Dementia Prevention. 2018 news Ed local news from 2018. Rugby stars rallied for charity sports quiz Scottish rugby legends gathered for a sports-themed quiz to raise funds for research into motor neurone disease. BioQuarter points the way Since Monday 29 October, The University of Edinburgh's Little France campus has become officially known as Edinburgh BioQuarter. Students and staff support efforts to end homelessness Students and staff to take part in Sleep in the Park to raise money to tackle homelessness. University lights up the Southside On Tuesday 4 December, Moira Gibson, the recently retired Head of External Affairs at the University of Edinburgh, was invited by the Southside Association to switch on the lights at St Patrick Square as part of their Carol Service and Festive Lights Ceremony. Experts teach tour guides the real story of Burke and Hare They are among the world’s most notorious serial killers but the details of their story are often mis-told… University opens its doors to the public The University of Edinburgh will take part in the annual Doors Open Day on 29 and 30 September, allowing the public to explore some of the institution’s most interesting buildings for free. Experienced teacher needed for research project Researchers at the University are looking to hire an experienced teacher to help turn a piece of research into a teaching resource and advice where it would best fit into the curriculum. Grassmarket social entrepreneur given honorary degree Jonny Kinross, CEO of a successful social enterprise based in Edinburgh’s historic Old Town, has been awarded an honorary doctorate in recognition of his charitable work. Over a hundred attendees at the Edinburgh Local Showcase and Forum On 4 June 2018, community members and University staff were invited to attend The Edinburgh Local Showcase and Forum. How To Read a Novel An online course offers an insight into some of the books and authors shortlisted for this year’s James Tait Black Prizes, the UK’s longest -running literary awards. St Cecilia's Hall supports people affected by dementia Two initiatives at our beautiful Concert Hall help people with dementia and their carers. Virtual walking tours of Edinburgh A new website and free app called Curious Edinburgh explores the history of the city and its role in science, technology and medicine. This article was published on 2024-07-22