Community Cinema - Reunited
Join us for the first instalment of Community Cinema at The Melting Pot - a screening and discussion series exploring urgent social issues through documentary film.
Reunited follows the story of a Syrian family separated by conflict: two doctors and their children struggle to stay connected across continents through Skype, navigating the challenges of displacement and hope.
What to expect:
6:00 – Arrivals & refreshments
6:20 – Welcome from The Melting Pot
6:30 – Film screening
7:45 – Break
8:00 – Panel discussion with invited guests
More information and bookings below.
Community Cinema — Blue Heart
This Community Cinema screening brings the stunning environmental documentary Blue Heart, which illuminates the urgent struggle to protect the last wild rivers of Europe in the Balkan Peninsula. The film highlights communities resisting thousands of proposed hydropower projects that threaten biodiversity, culture and ecosystems.
What to expect:
6:00 – Arrivals & refreshments
6:20 – Welcome from The Melting Pot
6:30 – Film screening
7:15 – Break
7:30 – Panel discussion with invited guests
This event is part of a series in partnership with Take One Action Film Festival. Come along to watch, discuss and connect. Tea and coffee provided.
Click below for more information and bookings.
Advocacy Training with Hope for the Future
Strengthen your climate advocacy skills with a follow-up session led by Hope for the Future.
This online training builds on the session delivered at our Autumn Assembly, but is open to everyone, including those who were unable to attend. Slides from the Assembly session will be shared in advance so participants can catch up ahead of time.
The session will offer space for reflection, discussion, and shared learning, supporting participants to continue engaging with decision makers around climate action.
Open to anyone interested in climate and community advocacy.
Online via Zoom. Closed captions will be enabled.
Climate Stories: Creative Writing Workshops on Climate Change (6-Weeks)
Climate Stories is a free creative writing project run by Edinburgh Communities Climate Action Network (ECCAN) in partnership with the University of Glasgow. It explores how people in Scotland think and feel about climate, and how this connects to emotional wellbeing.
The project includes a six-week, in-person workshop series in Edinburgh where participants will be supported to develop a short piece of climate-related writing over time. Sessions include guided discussion, creative writing exercises, and optional opportunities to share and reflect in a friendly and supportive group.
You don’t need to be a writer or a climate expert to take part. The workshops are open to anyone aged 18+ living in Scotland, and both fiction and nonfiction writing are welcome.
As part of the research project, participants will also be invited to take part in short online interviews before and after the workshop series.
Please visit the link below to learn more and book your place.
January Climate Bites at Embassy Gallery
Join us for our first Climate Bites of 2026 - a relaxed lunchtime space to connect, share ideas and enjoy good food with others involved in community-led climate action across Edinburgh.
Climate Bites are informal, welcoming gatherings where people working on climate action - whether through community groups, creative practice, activism, policy or everyday life - can come together over lunch. There’s no set agenda: just space for conversation, connection and shared learning.
This January, we’ll be gathering at Embassy Gallery, a long-standing artist-run space in the city, to reflect on what’s emerging across the network as we move into the new year.
What to expect
A friendly, informal atmosphere
Time to meet others working on climate action across Edinburgh
Space to share what you’re working on, what’s inspiring you, or what support you might need
A nourishing vegetarian lunch catered by Goodies
When & where
🗓 Wednesday 22 January
🕧 12:30 – 2:00pm
📍 Embassy Gallery, Edinburgh
All are welcome - whether you’re deeply involved in climate work or just beginning to explore how you’d like to get involved. Come for the food, stay for the conversation 🌱
Carbon Literacy Training for Creatives in Theatre
Climate Literacy for Theatre Creatives is a free, accredited one-day workshop co-hosted by ECCAN and EPAD. The session offers an accessible introduction to the climate crisis and explores what meaningful, low-carbon creative practice can look like within theatre and live performance. Participants will take part in guided discussion, reflective activities, and sector-specific examples, and will receive Carbon Literacy certification on completion.
Open to ECCAN members (free to join), this workshop is suitable for freelancers, theatre-makers, producers, designers, technicians, and early-career practitioners. No prior climate knowledge required. Access support is available.
Follow the link below to learn more and book your place.
Conservation in action: Film showcase and panel @ the National Museum of Scotland
From the wilds of Alaska to the National Museums Collection Centre in Granton, join us to explore inspiring conservation and environmental stories.
In partnership teh National Museum of Scotland and the the Edinburgh Conservation Film Festival (ECFF), see a selection of short films and hear more from our panel of conservation champions.
Community Screening - Power Station Documentary
Join us for a community screening of Power Station, an uplifting documentary about people-powered climate action and local energy solutions.
The film follows artist-activists Hilary Powell and Dan Edelstyn as they work with neighbours and schools to turn their street into a solar-powered community. Blending creativity, humour and determination, Power Station shows how ordinary people can take meaningful action on the climate crisis by working together at a local level.
This screening is an opportunity to connect with others interested in community energy, climate action and collective solutions, and to be inspired by what’s possible when communities take the lead.
Full details and tickets via Eventbrite.
Winter Market on the Croft
A weekly outdoor community market showcasing local growers, makers, artists, and sustainable small businesses. Expect ethical gifts, seasonal produce and a warm community atmosphere on the Croft. Free entry, open to all - 7th, 14th & 21st December.
Winter Market on the Croft
A weekly outdoor community market showcasing local growers, makers, artists, and sustainable small businesses. Expect ethical gifts, seasonal produce and a warm community atmosphere on the Croft. Free entry, open to all - 7th, 14th & 21st December.
BANZAI Bikes Community Cargo Bike Library Opening
BANZAI Bikes Community Cargo Bike Library is celebrating the opening of its new bike storage hub on Bruntsfield Links. Drop in for a family-friendly afternoon with a festive trail, face painting, music, mince pies and plenty of opportunities to try out cargo bikes.
No booking required - just come along and join the celebration.
Kids Clothes Swap
Have your kids outgrown their clothes again? Join ELREC for a friendly clothes swap where you can refresh your children’s wardrobe for free. Bring up to 10 clean, good-quality items of children’s clothing to exchange - including practical items such as prams and accessories.
This is a great opportunity to find new essentials for the colder months, enjoy a relaxed social space with coffee and pastries, and try some kid-friendly crafts.
Follow the link below for full event rules, donation information and to book your place.
Enquiries: cadence@elrec.org.uk
Summerhall Winter Market
December 13th & 14th 11am – 5pm
£3 entry (under 18s free)
The Winter Market comes to Summerhall this December for a full weekend of festive shopping.
Featuring a carefully-curated selection of over 35 stallholders across the site, this year’s market will showcase the best of independent makers and artisan products from Edinburgh and beyond – a perfect opportunity to find truly unique gifts locally for your family and friends.
Plus – caroling from resident choir the Summerhall Singers, hot mulled wine and festive food options in the bar and courtyard, and winter workshops to be announced.
Edinburgh Community Food – Christmas Market at Operation Strawberry
A warm, community-focused festive market with Christmas hampers, unique handmade gifts, local produce, mulled apple juice and free hot drinks. Perfect for affordable, meaningful gifts with social impact.
Out of the Blue Winter Arts Markets
Times:
Fri — 17:00–21:00
Sat & Sun — 11:00–17:00
Location: Out of the Blue Drill Hall, 36 Dalmeny Street, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 8RG
Entry fee: £3 (adult), £1 (concessions), under 12s free
What to expect
A festive arts market featuring hand-picked local independent artists and makers. Every day brings a different selection - from paintings, prints and homewares to jewellery, textiles, ceramics and more.
The venue’s licensed café will be open throughout. Expect mulled wine, mince pies, teas, coffees and treats - perfect for a relaxed shopping browse or a festive outing.
A great chance to pick up unique, handmade gifts for the holidays, support local creativity, and enjoy a community-centred arts space.
Endless Love Creative – Edinburgh Winter Makers Market
Event overview
Endless Love Creative is hosting a two-day Winter Makers Market at Fruitmarket, bringing together a wide range of independent artists, designers and small makers. The event features over 50 stalls offering ceramics, textiles, jewellery, prints, clothing, candles, botanicals and other handmade items.
What visitors can expect
A curated selection of work from independent Scottish makers
A mix of craft, design and small-batch goods
Stalls covering ceramics, textiles, jewellery, prints, clothing and more
£2 entry - central location beside Waverley Station
Winter Market on the Croft
A weekly outdoor community market showcasing local growers, makers, artists, and sustainable small businesses. Expect ethical gifts, seasonal produce and a warm community atmosphere on the Croft. Free entry, open to all - 7th, 14th & 21st December.
Out of the Blue Winter Arts Markets
Times:
Fri — 17:00–21:00
Sat & Sun — 11:00–17:00
Location: Out of the Blue Drill Hall, 36 Dalmeny Street, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 8RG
Entry fee: £3 (adult), £1 (concessions), under 12s free
What to expect
A festive arts market featuring hand-picked local independent artists and makers. Every day brings a different selection - from paintings, prints and homewares to jewellery, textiles, ceramics and more.
The venue’s licensed café will be open throughout. Expect mulled wine, mince pies, teas, coffees and treats - perfect for a relaxed shopping browse or a festive outing.
A great chance to pick up unique, handmade gifts for the holidays, support local creativity, and enjoy a community-centred arts space.
Endless Love Creative – Edinburgh Winter Makers Market
Event overview
Endless Love Creative is hosting a two-day Winter Makers Market at Fruitmarket, bringing together a wide range of independent artists, designers and small makers. The event features over 50 stalls offering ceramics, textiles, jewellery, prints, clothing, candles, botanicals and other handmade items.
What visitors can expect
A curated selection of work from independent Scottish makers
A mix of craft, design and small-batch goods
Stalls covering ceramics, textiles, jewellery, prints, clothing and more
£2 entry - central location beside Waverley Station
Leith Creative Trail
An opportunity to discover the vibrant creative spaces of Leith. The trail includes 20 venues and runs across a week of programming which includes makers markets, open studios, workshops, exhibitions, talks, and pop-up shops. Discover and shop the work of numerous makers at Abbeymount Open Studios, Out of the Blue Winter Arts Market, Edinburgh Open Workshop Festive Makers Market and Coburg House Winter Open Studios.
Various venues, Edinburgh.
Events scheduled from 29th November to 7th December.
Out of the Blue Winter Arts Markets
Times:
Fri — 17:00–21:00
Sat & Sun — 11:00–17:00
Location: Out of the Blue Drill Hall, 36 Dalmeny Street, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 8RG
Entry fee: £3 (adult), £1 (concessions), under 12s free
What to expect
A festive arts market featuring hand-picked local independent artists and makers. Every day brings a different selection - from paintings, prints and homewares to jewellery, textiles, ceramics and more.
The venue’s licensed café will be open throughout. Expect mulled wine, mince pies, teas, coffees and treats - perfect for a relaxed shopping browse or a festive outing.
A great chance to pick up unique, handmade gifts for the holidays, support local creativity, and enjoy a community-centred arts space.
Climate Talk: Climate Adaptation – Turning Challenges into Opportunities
Join ELREC for a climate talk exploring how we can adapt to the challenges of a changing climate and turn them into opportunities for communities. This session features guest speakers sharing their experience in energy, climate adaptation and local authority action, with time for questions and discussion.
Speakers
Juliet Dunstone — Community Energy Officer
Julie Waldron — Edinburgh City Council: Climate and Nature
Facilitator: Agi Awa Kaira — Freelance Sustainability Specialist
Light refreshments will be provided.
Please register using the link attached to the event listing.
Language: English
Enquiries: c3r@elrec.org.uk
Community Cinema: The Ants and the Grasshopper
Join us for the final screening in the Community Cinema series, featuring the documentary The Ants and the Grasshopper. The film explores farming, gender justice and the climate crisis across Malawi and the US, and will be followed by a panel discussion with invited guests.
What to expect:
6:00pm - Arrivals and refreshments
6:30pm - Film screening (approx. 74 minutes)
7:45pm - Short break
8:00pm - Panel discussion and community conversation
This event offers a welcoming space to reflect on global and local climate justice through film and shared dialogue.
Get Started with Community Energy
Are you part of a community group interested in renewable energy but stuck, or not sure where to start?
Learn how to plan, fund, and deliver renewable energy projects to benefit your community.
Join this in-person workshop to explore how community energy projects can take off, helping to make your community spaces warmer, with lower bills and reduced environmental impact.
This session is for community leaders and active members who are curious about, or already exploring, funding opportunities to install renewable energy systems that reduce costs and deliver long-term benefits for their communities.
What to expect
An introduction to community energy and why it matters
Examples of successful community energy projects
A step-by-step guide to planning, funding, and delivering your project
An introduction to advice and guidance available to support next steps
Time to talk through your ideas, opportunities and challenges
Lunch provided
You will leave with practical insights and a clearer sense of how to move your community energy ideas forward.
Take One Action: Imagining a Community-Led Social Centre for Edinburgh
Join Take One Action for an imaginative workshop exploring what a community-led social centre in central Edinburgh could look like - and the many possibilities a space like this might offer.
We’ll look at examples of social centres from around the world and hear from the founders of Pelican House in London, alongside short provocations from local groups about potential uses for an Edinburgh space - from free meeting rooms for community organising to performance spaces, a community diner, a crèche, rights clinics, gardens, or a community newsroom.
Together, we’ll co-design our own imagined social centres, with a shared meal made from sustainable local ingredients. A small travel and childcare fund is available (email rachel@takeoneaction.org.uk).
BSL interpretation will be provided, and full access information is available via the link. This event is supported by Edinburgh’s Regenerative Futures Fund.
ELREC Tree Planting at Lauriston Farm
Tree planting event
Interested in supporting local biodiversity whilst spending a great morning outdoors? Join us for our next tree planting event, and learn all about the importance of supporting local nature in our communities. Let’s plant some trees and have some fun!
Language: English
Please register with the link attached.
Enquiries: c3r@elrec.org.uk
Kaizen at Barnton Bunker — A Collaborative Art Experience for Fair Saturday
Free Entry
Join Barnton Bunker for Kaizen - a one-day, hands-on creative experience as part of Fair Saturday. Visitors are invited to explore the underground spaces of Scotland’s largest nuclear bunker and take part in collaborative, evolving artworks throughout the day.
This event is supported by the City of Edinburgh Council and the Fair Saturday Edinburgh Community Engagement Fund, in collaboration with Abandoned Artists.
🔗 Full event details & registration:
https://www.barntonbunker.com/bunker-events/kaizen-at-barnton-bunker
Fair Saturday Edinburgh
Fair Saturday is a city-wide celebration of art, culture and community, bringing people together through creativity and shared purpose.
Taking place across Edinburgh, Fair Saturday features a diverse programme of cultural events - from performances and exhibitions to workshops and participatory activities - hosted by artists, venues and community organisations. Each event supports a local social or community project, highlighting the role of culture in building connection, generosity and positive social impact.
Fair Saturday is open to everyone and welcomes both amateur and professional artists, as well as community groups and social projects. It’s an opportunity to experience the richness of Edinburgh’s cultural scene while supporting work that strengthens communities across the city.
Explore the full programme and find events happening near you.
Data 4 Climate Action Edinburgh -Digital Drop-In
Data For Climate Action Edinburgh (D4CAE) is a volunteer group that helps climate projects and volunteers in Edinburgh, using their data skills. They offer support in collating, analysing and/or presenting any kind of data.. They host free, online drop-ins on the last Tuesday of each month between 7-8.30pm.
The drop-ins can be accessed through Zoom with the following information:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86923545145?pwd=bUl5U2Yyb29tOEVFK2hUV2ZVbkkwQT09
Meeting ID: 869 2354 5145
Passcode: 262022
GreenTech Buildathon
What if a great idea to make your community climate work easier could become a real tool in just one day?
ECCAN is teaming up with CodeBase to host a Buildathon focused on getting fast, actionable solutions into the hands of those on the frontline of community-led action.
This event is designed to find actionable, accessible solutions to the challenges people working on community-led climate action face. It will take place at CodeBase Edinburgh, 35a Castle Terrace on Monday 24th November from 10am to 5.30pm.
We’re inviting staff, volunteers, and climate-curious people—the experts in real-world climate action—alongside coders and designers. You don't need any experience in technology or coding to participate! Your job is to bring the problem and the context; we’ll build the dream team to find a solution. This is a unique opportunity to link diverse skillsets for our common net-zero goals.
Here are the kinds of concrete challenges this Buildathon is designed to tackle:
· Impact Reporting: "Our local food-growing project tracks how much produce we redistribute, but we struggle to clearly show our volunteers and funders the total environmental impact (e.g., CO2 saved) and social impact (e.g., meals provided)." A team could prototype a simple, data visualization dashboard to automatically generate a clear, shareable impact graphic.
· Resource Sharing: "Our member groups need to share resources like successful funding applications or recruitment posters, but they're currently scattered across emails and shared drives." A team could build a searchable, tag-based resource library/portal for the ECCAN network.
We Need Your Problem Statements!
Before we can build, we need to know what to build. We are inviting you to submit Problem Statements—a clear, concise description of an issue or opportunity you face in your daily climate work.
Think of your Problem Statement as a blueprint. It helps a team of innovators understand the goal and what needs to be solved.
When you're writing your statement, be sure to include:
· What is the problem? Clearly describe the specific issue you face.
· Who is affected? Identify the people or groups impacted (e.g., volunteers, community members, local groups).
· Why does it need a solution? Explain the benefits of solving it and how it will improve your climate work.
· What's the desired outcome? Describe what the situation would look like if the problem were resolved.
Don't worry about having all the answers—the goal is to define the problem clearly so a mixed-skill team can take it on and prototype a solution!
Do you have a problem that, if solved, would accelerate your community's climate action? Submit your problem statement before 17th November and let's build something great together!
If you have any questions about what makes a good problem statement or how to get involved, please get in touch with us!
November ClimateBites at the Salisbury Centre
Experience the Heart of Holistic Sustainability: The Salisbury Centre
We are absolutely delighted that November’s Climate Bites will unfold within the walls of The Salisbury Centre. This remarkable place extends a genuine invitation—a sanctuary of warmth, safety, and community for anyone on a journey of spiritual, psychological, or creative development. Here, the belief that personal well-being is intrinsically linked to the health of our planet isn't just a concept; it's a living practice.
As a valued member of ECCAN, The Salisbury Centre embodies its commitment to ecological sustainability. From a gardening group fostering biodiversity to their fantastic seed library cultivating future growth, the Centre’s dynamic and holistic program—including from insightful courses and workshops to calming meditations—all unfold within an open, accessible, and deeply welcoming atmosphere.
Connection, Discovery, and Delicious Food!
At this intimate gathering, you'll be treated to a delicious, complimentary lunch to fuel your discussions. Beyond the meal, prepare to truly discover The Salisbury Centre itself—a unique hub where personal development gracefully meets a profound dedication to ecological well-being. This is your chance to genuinely connect with fellow climate advocates, mingling with individuals and groups who are actively shaping Edinburgh’s green landscape. Share your insights, spark exciting new collaborations, and strengthen the collective energy that propels our city toward a more sustainable future. You’ll also have the opportunity to chat directly with ECCAN members, learning more about our network and exploring ways you can contribute to vital local climate initiatives. This gathering is your ideal moment to find fresh inspiration, share your own journey, and expand your network within a truly warm and supportive space.
Join Our Thriving Community!
Absolutely everyone is encouraged to participate! If you feel drawn to contribute to Edinburgh’s ongoing climate journey, whether you’re currently an ECCAN member or not, we would be thrilled to have you with us. Come and immerse yourself in The Salisbury Centre’s vibrant, supportive community, and witness first-hand how individual well-being and a collective commitment to our environment can flourish together in a truly integrated community setting.
Spaces are limited for this unique opportunity to connect and be inspired.
Barnton Community Garden
The Barnton Bunker Preservation Society SCIO is committed to preserving the Barnton and Corstorphine Hill area through conservation, tree planting, gardening, and education. Together, we’re creating a sustainable future for our community and environment.
Every Wednesday 2pm - 4pm. Everyone welcome.
Follow the link below to join the Bunker Garden Whatsapp group and newsletter for regular updates.