About us
We are a local Edinburgh charity dedicated to the Old Town
Our vision and mission
We are the Edinburgh Old Town Development Trust – a local charity dedicated to the Old Town of Edinburgh, Scotland. Founded in 2009, our mission is to provide safe spaces and resources through community-led initiatives that engage individuals in creating a fulfilling and thriving life. Our vision is a thriving Old Town Community where individuals have the space to foster growth and build connections.
Our values are:
Wellbeing: We are committed to looking after our people – ensuring they have everything they need to live fulfilling and thriving lives.
Accountability: As a trust, we are accountable to the community, funders, and legal bodies; maintaining transparency in our operations.
Inclusivity: We are dedicated to ensuring anyone can access our safe spaces, provisions, and resources without barriers.
Connection: Our focus is on building lasting partnerships across the community and beyond.
Respect: We strive to continue developing confidence both internally and externally to shape our actions and decisions.
Our story
For over 1,500 years, the Old Town was the entirety of the City of Edinburgh. Extending the length of the Royal Mile from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the Scottish Parliament, it bounds Calton Road and the railway line to the north and Lauriston Place and Drummond Street to the south. Within that area, it includes the Grassmarket and West Port on the west and Abbeyhill and Croft-an-Righ on the east.
While the borders of Edinburgh expanded from the late 18th century onwards, the Old Town has always remained the heart of the city. Across the centuries, the Old Town and its inhabitants have made a profound and lasting impact on Scottish culture and public life at the centre of the capital.
In recent times, the Old Town has become a focal point for regular tourism and the annual festivals. While we welcome our guests and appreciate the contributions that they make to our society, we want the Old Town to be much more than a thoroughfare. The Old Town is our home and we aspire to be a genuine community.
That mission of community defines the Edinburgh Old Town Development Trust. The Trust was established in 2009 with a commitment to support the Old Town as a place to live. Over the years, the Trust has grown and evolved. In 2019, we opened the Crannie, our community hub in Cranston Street which hosts activities, meetings and events. Today, we continue to advance our commitment to community for the Old Town.
Chair of the Board
Our team
The Trust is governed by our Board of Directors and run by our staff members.
Our Board
Andrew Brough - Chair of the Board
John McLuckie - Secretary of the Board
Stephen Duffy - Treasurer of the Board
Matthew Crighton
Otis Orteseh
Laura Venturato
Patrick Keady
Our Staff
Jackie Cropper - Chief Executive Officer
Carolynn Reddell - Facilities and Operations Manager
Hollie Ruddick - Community Development Manager
Rowena Weir - Community Health Coordinator
Johanna Wesemann - Community Hub Coordinator
Ross Georgeson - Project Worker – Create and Connect & Art Club
Mo Innes - Project Worker – Arts & Making Memories
Ady Powers - Project Worker – Ukulele Club
Alan Massie - Project Worker – Cooking Club
Our partners
Our partners include: the Edinburgh Old Town Community Council, Canongate Youth, Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspaces Trust, the Dumbiedykes Working Group, Goodies and LGBT Youth Scotland. We welcome new partnerships with organisations to support the residents and community of the Old Town.
Our funders
Our funders have included: the City of Edinburgh Council, the National Lottery Community Fund, the Robertson Trust, Foundation Scotland, Awards for All, The OneCity Trust, Hillcrest and WHALE Arts Agency. We are very grateful to our funders and welcome new funding partnerships to support our work.