GCDT's History

Established in December 2004, Gorebridge Community Development Trust seeks to assist the local community in the sustainable regeneration of Gorebridge in terms of local society, economy and environment. In order to succeed the Trust needs to secure public support and the support of various partner organisations and funders. With their continuing support the Trust is determined to fulfil its objectives and become a self-sustaining, pro-active and representative organisation which gives the people and businesses of Gorebridge every opportunity to assist and take the lead in the successful regeneration of the village.

Having been established and effectively stewarded by the original volunteer steering group, the Trust has recently reached the stage of acquiring premises on Gorebridge Main Street and appointing a full-time development worker.

Originally founded as a mining village in the 18th century, Gorebridge, like many other villages in Midlothian has struggled to adapt to life after the collapse of the British coal industry in the 1980s. As a result many residents of Gorebridge suffer from a lack of social opportunities, comparative ill-health and low educational attainment. Due in part to the lack of money in the local economy, local businesses have been forced to move or close and the village has suffered from a lack of investment in services and facilities. In turn, this lack of services and facilities has had a detrimental impact on social and recreational opportunities for residents of all ages.

After numerous public meetings and as a direct result of community demand, Gorebridge Community Development Trust has been created to combat many of the problems facing the village. The projects outlined in this document were all highlighted in a series of public consultation exercises whose continuing use will be central to the activities of GCDT. Specifically, this management plan sets out the Trust’s ideas for tackling the problems of social exclusion and deprivation and improving the environment of Gorebridge, making the village more physically attractive and accessible to residents and visitors. Furthermore, GCDT is pursuing a range of options designed to attract more businesses to Gorebridge and to increase awareness and use of existing local companies. Finally, the Trust also seeks to integrate these projects into a programme of community education, helping residents learn more about the history of Gorebridge, the problems it faces and the possibilities for alleviating these difficulties, thereby instilling a sense of community spirit and common purpose.

In short, Gorebridge Community Development Trust is determined to assist the local community in removing the stigma of post-industrial decline, achieving a bright future from an industrious past and transforming Gorebridge into a vibrant, dynamic, proud and close-knit community.