Projects
Land Management
When the Trust was formed in 1973, the Trust acquired 103 acres of land at Mains Farm by the (then) Town Council and, until 2015, managed and safe-guarded that land within its Charitable Purpose. In 2015 some of the land was sold for development, which has resulted in the Trust substantially increasing its income and activities. The Trust’s financial assets are currently around £15 million. 50 acres of land remain in Trust ownership.
The partial sale of the land has benefited the town with the provision of much needed housing, including more than 105 units of affordable housing.
Of the remaining 50 acres of land owned by the Trust, 39 acres are being transformed into North Berwick Trust’s park for the community to enjoy.
Options for the remaining land to develop community, employment or retail hubs to benefit our community, are currently being explored.
Grants
The funds raised through the sale of land has allowed the Trust to fund a number of local projects each year.
To date, North Berwick Trust Ltd have awarded a total of £903,958.49 to support individuals and organisations living or operating within North Berwick.
The Trust are proud to have supported 121 projects for the benefit of our local community. These projects have been wide-ranging from across our funding themes including support for the Lobster Hatchery, North Berwick Rugby and Football Club, Carers of East Lothian and Fringe by the Sea.
During the recent Covid-19 pandemic, the Trust also took action by offering unprecedented relief grants for local businesses. We are delighted to have been able to support 53 local businesses and groups, including the North Berwick Community Council Resilience Effort.
In our most recent grants round (autumn 2021), the Trust awarded £83,948.49 to support 11 projects, as listed below. As usual, the projects are very diverse and will benefit a wide cross-section of the community.
| Name of Awardee | Project | Award (£) |
| Coastal Communities Museum | Scotland’s Year of Stories – Content production – For audio visual equipment and to produce content | 11436 |
| Individual Applicant | Golf Sponsorship – To qualify and win Ladies European Golf Tour | 5000 |
| Law Primary PTA | Project Playground – For playground improvements to enhance the environment | 2682.50 |
| NB Community Skate Park | North Berwick’s Skate Park – to redesign and rebuild NB skate park on the existing site | 20000 |
| North Berwick Community Centre | Support from the Start – Emergency support fund for low-income families | 13000 |
| North Berwick Community Council | Christmas Lights – For a projector. Can be used to promote community events | 3000 |
| North Berwick Highland Games | NB Highland Games 2022 – Contribution to core costs following losses due to cancellation | 10000 |
| North Berwick In Bloom | North Berwick Floral Displays in 2022 – For plants, compost and associated items | 7500 |
| North Berwick Pipe Band | Uniform for Beginners and equipment – To equip young beginner pipers and drummers | 3000 |
| North Berwick Playgroup | Sensory Playground Equipment – New outdoor play equipment for newly reformed NB Playgroup | 1535.99 |
| NB Surf Life Saving Club | Establish a Surf Life Saving Club in North Berwick – For life-saving equipment and to deliver training | 6804 |
| TOTAL | £83,958.49 | |
General Grant rounds normally open bi-annually in the spring and autumn.
The Trust is next open for applications from Wednesday 14th September 2022 at 12 noon.
The Trust welcomes applications for up to £30,000 from organisations, charities or individuals in need who live or operate within North Berwick. For more information, see our Grants and Funding page.
If you would like to discuss potential applications or need help in applying, please contact the Trust’s Grants and Communications Officer, Catherine McCoy, on 07874625206 or email [email protected].
Click on the images below to read more about the projects funded by North Berwick Trust.
