More than £170,000 has been awarded to organisations across East Lothian to improve and develop community facilities. The funding comes from East Lothian Council’s Community Intervention Fund, which supports capital projects that help strengthen community life.
Eight groups will benefit from the latest round of grants. Eskmuthe Community Rowing Club has received £10,000 towards the construction of a new boatshed that will act as both a social and learning space. Tyninghame Community Farm has been granted over £28,000 for key infrastructure works, including the creation of a borehole, installation of an irrigation system, a caterpillar tunnel, a walk-in cold room, and the purchase of new farm machinery.
Musselburgh Tennis Club has secured £10,000 as part of its pavilion redevelopment project, while Enjoy East Lothian has been awarded £50,000 to repair the popular wave machine at Dunbar Leisure Pool. East Lothian Indoor Bowling Club will receive £4,500 to refurbish the ladies’ and disabled toilets and update the lounge area. Gifford Community Association has been granted £8,686 for restoration work at Gifford Village Hall.
The John Muir Birthplace Trust has also been awarded £11,313 to repair and renovate traditional timber sash windows at the John Muir Birthplace Museum, improving both their longevity and energy efficiency. Meanwhile, The Ridge SCIO will receive £50,000 to support the regeneration of 86–88 High Street in Dunbar, contributing to a wider commercial and residential development project.
Councillor Colin McGinn, Cabinet member for Community Wellbeing, welcomed the funding and praised the role of local groups. He said that community organisations are vital to East Lothian’s rich and varied life, and that the fund helps them access the facilities and equipment they need to thrive. He added that the scheme not only supports their ambitions but also contributes to the council’s vision of a county where people and communities can flourish.
Applications to the Community Intervention Fund are invited twice a year, with grants available for up to 60 percent of eligible project costs and a maximum award of £50,000. The Council’s One Council Partnership Fund will also open shortly, offering community groups further opportunities to secure financial support for their work.
