Thursday December 11th 2025
SNP candidate Calum Kerr and local supporters at the Gorebridge Community Development Trust's 'The Beacon'.
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
A community project in Gorebridge has been awarded significant funding through the Scottish Government’s Creative Communities Scotland Fund, helping to widen access to the arts and improve local wellbeing.
Amongst eleven grassroots projects who have been selected to receive a share of £320,000, the Gorebridge Community Development Trust has received £34,423 for its Create365 project.
The project will offer weekly creative sessions, themed workshops, seasonal events and a large annual community showcase, all aimed at reducing isolation and improving wellbeing.
The fund, which supports organisations delivering activities such as dance, filmmaking, creative writing, music-making and storytelling, aims to support and empower communities to deliver cultural activities that benefit individual and collective wellbeing, with a focus on reaching those who face barriers to taking part in creative activities.
Commenting on Gorebridge Community Development Trust receiving funding, local SNP candidate Calum Kerr said:
“It’s great to see a local group in Gorebridge being recognised with national arts funding. This support reflects the hard work, commitment and creativity that already exists across our communities.”
“Organisations like Gorebridge Community Development Trustshow what can be achieved when local people are supported to lead positive change — improving wellbeing, tackling isolation and creating more opportunities for people of all ages.”
“This is exactly the kind of investment I want to see more of in our area, and I’m proud that the SNP Scottish Government is continuing to back community-led work like this. Huge congratulations to everyone involved.”
The Creative Communities Scotland Fund is part of a wider £34 million increase in investment in Scotland’s culture sector this year, ensuring more people can benefit from creative opportunities in their local communities. The programme will be managed by Inspiring Scotland, which will also provide project support to successful organisations while they plan, deliver and assess the impact of those activities.
Culture Secretary Angus Robertson explained:
“Creativity can transform lives and create confidence within communities – so I’m very pleased that so many projects, from Galashiels to Orkney, Aberdeen and Govanhill, have been successful in their applications.
“These grants will enable community-led organisations to develop and deliver projects that harness the power of creativity in supporting people and the communities they serve.
“The Creative Communities Scotland fund forms part of a £34 million increase in support to the culture sector this year to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to take part in and benefit from the creative arts, no matter their background or location.”
Erica Judge, Director of Funds at Inspiring Scotland, added:
“The high level of interest in Creative Communities Scotland shows the incredible potential of creative and cultural activities to positively impact people’s lives.
“By supporting 11 organisations working across 9 local authorities, this funding will help communities overcome barriers to cultural participation – creating opportunities to enjoy the arts, reduce loneliness, strengthen communities, develop new creative skills, and experience joy and pride.”
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