Thursday May 1st 2025
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Katie Gregory
The Roslin Community Development Trust held their first official meeting since achieving charitable status at the historic Masonic Lodge, in the heart of the village.
The aim of the meeting was to solidify the group’s purpose and give residents a chance to voice their desires for Roslin’s future.
Interim Chair of the Steering Committee, Tom Bishop, said: “We’ve set up the foundations of the Development Trust for Roslin, and we’re looking to understand what the committee wants
us to take forward in terms of big, ambitious projects.”
One key priority identified by the group was the need for a community hub. A warm, dry, accessible, comfortable, place that could bring the community together. Ideas for activities at
the hub included board game groups, coffee mornings, and even indoor pickleball. This hub would be extremely beneficial for the young people in the area and could create a positive
environment for them to meet. There was also discussion around increasing social opportunities for older residents, such as monthly lunches.
Another point raised was that Roslin could capitalise on its local group activity and benefit from working under a single banner. The trust is already supporting several local
organisations and would be open to any further opportunities for partnership working.
The steering committee is currently run by volunteers and is actively seeking more members to help balance the workload. With 120 prospective members already signed up, the group is
eager for continued engagement from the village to ensure that their plans reflect the wants and needs of all residents.
The next steps for the group are to work towards full trust status and membership of the Development Trusts Association Scotland.
While the road ahead for Roslin is long, the strong community spirit is undeniable, and with continued dedication and collective action, it’s only a matter of time before the village becomes the thriving hub its residents envisage.
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