It’s official – Leith’s new Community Fund has been incorporated as a Scottish charity. The new Fund, which will be governed by Forth Ports and The Leith Trust, aims to support projects that are important to the local community of Leith.

Forth Ports has seed funded the Trust with a significant contribution of £200,000 and is now actively inviting other businesses in the area to support and contribute to this important community fund.

Once launched later this year, the Fund will provide support for the work of local charities in the local Leith area with particular emphasis on projects tackling isolation or loneliness, enhancing the local area or providing educational opportunities for local people.

Commenting on the establishment of the Fund, Charles Hammond OBE, CEO of Forth Ports, said: “Forth Ports is proud to be part of the Leith community and we are committed to supporting Leith for the long term. Like most communities, we know there are always local issues that need funding, and we hope that the establishment of this Fund, with our seed funding of £200,000, will help to make a difference.

“This has been an incredibly tough time for everyone as we all navigate through the global pandemic and we see this as a great opportunity for the community of Leith to decide themselves how the money is spent.

“We will be speaking to businesses in Leith over the coming months to encourage them to support and contribute to the Fund.”

Sir Andrew Cubie CBE, Chair of The Leith Trust said: “This is a significant announcement for Leith and I greatly welcome the leadership shown by Forth Ports in priming the Community Fund. All of us involved will work hard to encourage others to contribute as the purposes of the Fund will be of significant value to the Leith community. The impact of the pandemic has slowed the establishment, but anticipating a formal launch later this year, we would be pleased to hear from those, who might in whatever way, be interested in lending support.”

Once launched later this year, the Fund will focus on supporting projects in the following areas:
•education and the development of youth skills and training programmes for people of all ages
•community development
•financial hardship
•countering loneliness or isolation
•support further the relief of domestic violence

The Leith Community Trust is a registered charity in Scotland and will be Governed by The Leith Trust and Forth Ports.