The Fisherrow Trust

Fisherrow Community Centre first opened in 1977, but in 1997  was threatened with possible closure and demolition. After consultation with local people and the completion of a feasibility study, it was decided that the centre could run on a financially self-sustaining basis by letting out low cost office accommodation to voluntary organisations, supported by a regular fixed grant from the Council. In 2006 the Fisherrow Trust was formed and is now responsible for the community centre. The local primary school building was saved and given a new lease of life by the Fisherrow Trust and now functions as a vibrant hub for local community activities of all kinds.

Company limited by guarantee with charitable status.

£17,000

99 years lease on building (this cannot be used as security for a bank loan).

Fisherrow Community Centre first opened in 1977 in the annex of the former Fisherrow School in Musselburgh. It offered a wide programme of activities and services. In 1997, due to high overheads and maintenance costs the centre was threatened with possible closure and demolition. After consultation with local people and the completion of a feasibility study, it was decided that the centre could run on a financially self-sustaining basis by letting out low cost office accommodation to voluntary organisations, supported by a regular fixed grant from the Council. As a result, in 2006 the Fisherrow Trust was formed.

The six trustees are all local community residents or users of the centre. Local residents and centre users are invited to be considered as Trustees and others are approached for their particular expertise. The trustees are keen to maintain a balance between expertise and local representation.

There are no formal links but the trust has been supported in particular by Musselburgh and Inveresk Community Council and Musselburgh and Inveresk Conservation Society. There is strong support also from the groups using the centre.

The trust works in partnership with East Lothian Council. The council deploy community learning and development staff who manage the day-to-day activity of the community centre. Links to the Coalfields Regeneration Trust and member of DTA Scotland.

The Fisherrow Centre provides accommodation for a wide range of organisations and activities. .

Supports local people to develop their skills and confidence through a range of volunteering and learning opportunities.

The Fisherrow Centre houses a wide range of activities and services including an extensive adult education programme, classes in dance, health and fitness and arts and crafts, a nursery, youth club, gym hall, wood turning suite, training and employment services and a special needs resource centre. Tenants include Crossroads, SCRT, East Lothian Out of School Care Network, Steps to Inclusion, Women’s Aid, and the Borders Scrap Store.

The Trust leases the buildings from the East Lothian Council on a 99 year lease and manages an extensive and ongoing renovation programme of the buildings.

• The Trust has successfully fundraised over £400,000 to renovate the old buildings and halt the dereliction that had set in through years of neglect.
• Attracting long term tenants to the centre that provide valuable services for local people

Finding funding for increased staff requirements and weekend opening.

Making sure that the Trust QS and the contractors QS are in constant communication to avoid going over budget.

A fully refurbished centre providing accommodation for future Trust developments.