Edinburgh Futures Institute was delighted to host the launch of The University of Edinburgh’s new Community Plan 2025–30 on 8 October.
Local residents, civic partners, staff and students came together to celebrate progress, share successes and achievements, and learn more about the Community Plan which was designed to create real change in our communities.
On arrival, guests were greeted with lively scenes: a roller derby by Demonburgh Junior Roller Derby SCIO, music from the Sitar Project and songs courtesy of Castle Chorus — local organisations who have benefited from the University’s existing community initiatives: Community Grants and the Community Access to Rooms Scheme.
Edinburgh Futures Institute Director, Professor Marion Thain, delivered the welcoming remarks, highlighting how the building — the former Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh — was a fitting place to launch the Community Plan.
Professor Thain cited some of the collaborative and community-driven work supported by or located at the Futures Institute, such as the Scottish Prevention Hub, Regenerative Futures Fund, The Binks Hub, the Data Civics Observatory, and Smart Data Foundry.
The University’s Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Peter Mathieson, also spoke at the event, expressing his pride in the work undertaken to support and enhance the lives of our local communities through the Community Plan.
Underlining the civic foundations of the University, Professor Mathieson described Edinburgh as a pioneer in higher education as the first Scottish university to have a strategy aimed at nurturing its relationship with communities.
The evening concluded with a vibrant showcase of work and the opportunity to meet staff, students and volunteers from a range of Community Partners and University initiatives including:
- Archaeology Scotland
- Bridgend Farmhouse
- The Welcoming Association
- University of Edinburgh Centre for Homelessness and Inclusion Health
- Edinburgh University Students’ Association’s Volunteering Service
- University of Edinburgh Heritage Collections (together with community partners Access to Industry and Headway East Lothian)
- The Education team from the Talbot Rice Gallery
- Staff sharing opportunities to learn with the University through online and in-person Short Courses and the Centre for Open Learning
Professor Thain said:
“Edinburgh Futures Institute is proud to have hosted the launch of the University’s Community Plan. The Old Royal Infirmary’s motto inscribed above the Futures Institute’s clocktower entrance, Patet Omnibus (“Open to all”), remains relevant today, as the Institute strives to work with organisations and communities across disciplinary boundaries and sectors.”
Images: Neil Hanna Photography
