These fields have a long history of growing food. However, in 2021 we were starting almost from scratch. We had no buildings, no machinery or tools, no utilities, no existing crops, limited biodiversity, and, as a newly-formed grassroots co-op, no money! 

We have received significant funding for this project, particularly a multi-year Environmental, Social, and Governance Sponsorship from Britel Fund Trustees Limited, through a fund managed by Hermes Investment Management Limited. 

The farm delivers huge social returns on investment, with a 2023 study by sustainability consultants One Stone calculating that the project adds the equivalent of at least £5 worth of value for every £1 invested. This value includes the benefit to the environment, and to participants in an improved sense of belonging, agency, health and wellbeing.

If you are a funder looking to fund this type of impact, or a business interested in corporate sponsorship, please contact us to discuss potential projects. 

If you would like to support the farm as an individual, you can make a donation  or get involved as a volunteer.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the community who are bringing the farm to life, to the City of Edinburgh Council for the stability of a long-term lease on the land, and to our sponsors, funders and donors for seeing the value of investing in this project….

2025

 

Britel Fund Trustees Limited/ Hermes Investment Management Limited

For ESG sponsorship, giving us unrestricted funds to progress the overall mission

Computer Aid

For donating three desktop and two laptop computers, enabling us to set up an office for the team

ECCAN Greenlight seedgrant

For funding the Lauriston Farm collective to build a new food and seed processing space, and host a celebratory ‘Festival of Fermentation’

Edinburgh Airport Community Fund

For funding to build a polycrub in our Community Allotments, enhancing community resilience to climate chaos and the impacts of food insecurity

EVOC Community Health & Wellbeing Fund

For funding us to continue to run Plot to Plate, teaching people how to grow, prepare and cook food together

Halleria Trust

For funding to carry out a feasibility study and develop a business plan for providing a formal education offering

Local Energy Scotland: Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES)

For funding the installation of solar panels with battery storage

The National Lottery Community Fund Awards for All

For funding Community Navigator delivery, nature-based wellbeing sessions, community meal programme, supported volunteer signposting pathway, and developing a Community-led Collective Imagination Forum

One City Trust

For funding to add electricity to our community kitchen – a shared space that increases access to healthy meals, reduces food poverty and supports community connection

RSE Healthy Planet, Healthy People: Community-led Research Awards

For funding research into using compost teas in market gardens for soil health, crop health and yield

Sowing Our Horizons

For resourcing partnership working between EAC, Granton Community Garden & Bakery, and SCRAN Academy, in particular supporting the Community Tattie Patch and meal sharing

2023

 

Britel Fund Trustees Limited/ Hermes Investment Management Limited

For ESG sponsorship, giving us unrestricted funds to progress the overall mission

Edinburgh Airport Community Grants Fund

For funding the purchase of an e-bike for deliveries

Edinburgh Community Climate Fund

For funding to build a community kitchen and oven through facilitator-led workshops, using earth building techniques. THe kitchen provides a space where allotment holders and local households can cook fresh, healthy meals.

Edinburgh Community Solar Cooperative

For funding us to build raised beds in our community allotments to improve accessibility of growing areas

Gillespie Macandrew

For pro bono legal work

2021

 

Britel Fund Trustees Limited/ Hermes Investment Management Limited

For ESG sponsorship, giving us unrestricted funds to progress the overall mission

Central Scotland Green Network

For sheds and staffing costs

Gillespie Macandrew

For pro bono legal work

The Mushroom Trust

For essential tools

Nature Scot Nature Restoration Fund

For funding to carry out an extensive tree and hedgerow planting programme, add pond and wetland areas, plant a flower rich field margin and create ‘bee banks’ as habitat for a range of invertebrates