The East Lothian Climate Hub is celebrating a significant milestone in Scotland’s fight against climate change: a £500,000 funding boost from Foundation Scotland. This investment will empower five Community Climate Action Hubs across central Scotland (Forth Valley, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee, and East Dunbartonshire) to amplify their community-led efforts in tackling climate change and building long-term resilience.
One of the most significant funding allocations for the Climate Hubs since the Scottish Government’s initial support for community-led climate action, it marks the beginning of turning funding into strategic, long-term climate solutions.
It’s good news for closer collaboration between the hubs and good news for the community projects they support.
A Collaborative Network for Change
The East Lothian Climate Hub is particularly excited about £95,000 of this funding directed toward a multi-hub program targeting traditionally disadvantaged communities. This collaborative effort, coordinated by Forth Environment Link (FEL Scotland), underscores the strength of Scotland’s interconnected network of 24 Climate Action Hubs, which were established with an initial Scottish Government grant.
Bobby Pembleton, East Lothian Climate Hub Manager, praised the power of this network.
“Our ability to collaborate across hubs allows us to be agile and responsive. Working with Foundation Scotland, we’ve created a fund that fills critical gaps, ensuring resources reach the right places for maximum impact,” said Bobby.
“This is just the beginning of turning funding into strategic, long-term climate solutions.”
Breaking Down the Funding
The £500,000 from Foundation Scotland is distributed as follows:
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Edinburgh: £110,000 to Edinburgh Communities Climate Action Network (ECCAN)
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Glasgow: £110,000 to the Glasgow Climate Action Hub partnership
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Forth Valley: £80,000 to Forth Environment Link (FEL Scotland)
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East Dunbartonshire: £50,000 to Twechar Community Action for an outreach officer through March 2027
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Dundee: £55,000 to Dundee Changemakers Hub
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Multi-Hub Program: £95,000 for adaptation initiatives in disadvantaged communities, led by FEL Scotland
This funding builds on the hubs’ existing work, transitioning them from short-term projects to sustainable resources for climate resilience in their communities.
Why This Matters
Rachel Searle, Head of Communities and Impact at Foundation Scotland, highlighted the urgency of the investment: “As the climate emergency intensifies, communities need support to adapt and act locally. This funding strengthens the hubs’ ability to meet growing demand and drive meaningful change.”
Clara Walker, Executive Director at FEL Scotland, added: “This investment complements Scottish Government support and allows us to scale community funding effectively. By sharing lessons across the network, we’re maximizing impact, especially for communities most in need.”
Climate Action Secretary Gillian Martin praised the hubs’ role: “Scotland’s Climate Hubs inspire and support grassroots action. This funding is a powerful endorsement of their work, enabling communities to make a real difference in the face of the climate crisis.”
