Scottish Building Society Foundation empowers Edinburgh Tool Library to drive social mobility in 2024
Edinburgh Tool Library received £4,985 from the Scottish Building Society Foundation, allowing it to continue the Cycle Kitchen despite funding being cut last year.
Article Source: Scottish Building Society Foundation
Last Updated: 20 March 2024 12:13
Edinburgh Tool Library is set to continue its work in driving forward sustainable transport across the city after receiving funding for its Cycle Kitchen project from the Scottish Building Society Foundation.
The local Edinburgh charity, which looks to empower people with knowledge to use tools effectively, received £4,985 from the Foundation, allowing it to continue the Cycle Kitchen despite funding being cut last year.
Providing comprehensive training and cycle maintenance workshops, Edinburgh Tool Library’s Cycle Kitchen enables its members to tackle transport equity, promotes bicycle tool proficiency, and fosters self-reliance in the community.
Playing a pivotal role in promoting sustainable transport and driving community engagement, the project sees individuals gain access to Edinburgh Tool Library’s extensive tool collection, as well as expertise from volunteers, allowing them to maintain their bicycles, reduce waste and enjoy an eco-friendly lifestyle.
The grant provided by the Scottish Building Society Foundation will cover the training costs for three volunteers to obtain professional cycle mechanic certifications, as well as funding the purchase of workstation tools and training kits.
Additionally, the funding will contribute to employing a project coordinator who will oversee volunteers, assist in course development and training, and organise community events to promote the course.
The Edinburgh Tool Library boasts two fully equipped workshops with an arsenal of more than 2,000 tools which members of the community can get to grips with, regardless of their experience.
As a result, members are provided with maintenance training and an understanding of the tools required to carry out bike repairs, allowing them to implement a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle, while also reducing their reliance on fuel and eliminating the need to go to a repair shop when an issue arises.
Thomas Bartels, Project Coordinator, Edinburgh Tool Library: "The establishment of the Cycle Kitchen is a direct response to our community's desire to use our bicycle tools, while also expressing frustration with possessing adequate know-how. We found members might often neglect basic maintenance rather than paying for non-terminal repairs which could easily be solved themselves.
"The grant provided by the Scottish Building Society Foundation saved us from having to consider ending the project or dealing with drawn-out timelines and has made it possible to keep this initiative on-track".
Scottish Building Society Foundation was established by Scottish Building Society in partnership with Foundation Scotland with a desire to give back to Scottish communities.
Launched in May 2023 to align with the organisation’s 175th anniversary, an incredible £175,000 has been designated for local charities, causes and organisations across Scotland.
Distribution of funding began in 2023, with successful applicants receiving individual grants of up to £5,000 to help their cause. Since it began 17 community initiatives and organisations have been supported with funding.
Thomas Bartels added: “The Scottish Building Society Foundation is designed to give back to local communities across Scotland and this is exactly what they are doing.
“Delivering Cycle Kitchen means that we can support people who want to tackle transport poverty by cycling but are unsure how to keep their bikes on the road. Crucially, for those who are finding public transport or the cost of running a car too expensive, it gives them the opportunity to try a free, and healthy, way of getting from A to B.”
Lisa McKay, Scottish Building Society Relationship Manager for Edinburgh, added: “Supporting the local community is at the heart of what we do at the Society and so I’m delighted that we can aid Edinburgh Tool Library in driving their fantastic work forward.
“They carry out a vitally important service for the whole of Edinburgh, and it’s fantastic to know that we are a part of helping them to empower people with knowledge to tackle transport equity and deliver sustainable transport across the city.”
Paul Denton, CEO at Scottish Building Society, said: “As part of our 175th anniversary celebrations, we wanted to mark the occasion with an incentive that upholds our core value of giving back to the communities.
“Edinburgh Tool Library’s Cycle Kitchen is a fantastic cause and it’s great to see it being supported by the Scottish Building Society Foundation with funding.
“We’re encouraged at the volume of interest from a variety of inspiring community groups and charities across Scotland and look forward to seeing how they use the funding to make positive impact. With the second round, we hope to see this go even further.
“The Scottish Building Society Foundation whilst in its infancy, we hope will make a big difference to many people across the country and we look forward to continuing our relationship with Foundation Scotland to grow the incentive in the years ahead.
“By investing in good causes, we are building stronger communities.”
For more information on the Scottish Building Society Foundation or to make an application, visit: www.scottishbs.co.uk/about-us/community/scottish-building-society-foundation
Image: Edinburgh Tool Library
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