Community Learning Exchange – Social Enterprise Scotland
On the 6th of November, Social Enterprises Scotland partnered with the Edinburgh Social Enterprise Network (ESEN) to host a community learning exchange in Granton, Edinburgh, Scotland. Rural social enterprises were encouraged to participate to share learning.
The main aims of the learning exchange were to provide participants with an opportunity to learn how social enterprises contribute to community improvement, gain insights into sustainable business practices, and explore innovative approaches to waste management and upcycling.
Steve Lawrence from the Edinburgh Social Enterprise Network coordinated the sessions, with The Pitt, EALA Impacts, and Move On Works leading the community learning exchange activities.
As a social enterprise rooted in rural communities, we had the opportunity to visit and learn from other social enterprises based in urban settings, gaining valuable insights to enhance our work and broaden our perspectives.
The Pitt – Granton, Edinburgh, Scotland
The Pitt originally opened in 2015, on Pitt Street in Leith, Edinburgh. Many of today’s market’s most popular dining options were born at The Pitt. Within seven years, The Pitt had already established a strong, loyal customer base and gained a lot of attention, but they had to close its door in 2022 for redevelopment.
Now operated by The Granton Project CIC, The Pitt will reopen to the public this winter at their much larger space along the beautiful Granton shoreline, on West Shore Road by the Granton Promenade. The project is also a part of the North Edinburgh Regeneration Project and the Granton Waterfront Regeneration Programme, which aim to transform Edinburgh’s waterfront into a vibrant coastal town. The new community hub, The Pitt, will greatly benefit everyone in the area, which is expected to eventually host around 8,000 residents.
Navida Galbraith, the Strategic Operations & Development Manager at The Pitt, gave a guided tour of space and shared their vision for the future. They spoke about plans for growth, new programmes, and ways to engage with the community. Navida highlighted how they want The Pitt to be a center for creativity and collaboration, making sure it adapts to meet the changing needs of the community.
As a social enterprise, The Pitt aims to create an inclusive grassroot space that encourages people to experiment with their ideas in a supportive and community focused environment. This new cultural and social space will provide exciting opportunities for individuals to connect, learn, and thrive, with greater access and fewer barriers.
EALA Impacts
Joanne McClelland and Aythan Lewes of EALA Impacts led the second session of the learning exchange. EALA Impacts is a community interest company based in Edinburgh, operating as a social enterprise. They offer building condition surveys, architectural designs, construction, and procurement services, with a strong focus on sustainability in everything they do.
EALA Impacts is committed to making a positive impact on the local community by providing high-quality, eco-friendly services. Their expert team works closely with clients to ensure projects are carried out with care and aim to reduce environmental impact.
By focusing on sustainability, EALA Impacts helps create a greener, more inclusive future for Edinburgh and beyond.
Move On Wood Recycling
The last session of the exchange involved a visit to the Move On Wood Recycling in Granton. Move On Wood Recycling is a social enterprise based in Edinburgh that focuses on reducing waste and supporting the local community. They collect unwanted wood, refurbish and recycle it, turning it into useful products while keeping it out of landfill. Their work provides affordable, sustainable materials to individuals and organisations, promoting a circular economy.
As a social enterprise, Move On Wood Recycling is also dedicated to creating jobs, training opportunities, and supporting people facing barriers to employment. They offer practical work experience and training in woodworking, helping people gain skills and build confidence. Till April, they were able to save 1035 tonnes of wood through their wood collections and turn them into bespoke furniture. They also had 2707 days of volunteer help and trained 88 young people to gain skills, experience, and confidence to move on.
By combining environmental sustainability with social impact, Move On Wood Recycling is helping to build a greener, more inclusive community in Edinburgh. Through their efforts, they are making a positive difference for both the environment and the people they support.
