Case Study

Edinburgh Tool Library

Providing comprehensive training and cycle maintenance workshops to empower people with knowledge to use tools effectively

Who is Edinburgh Tool Library and who do they support?

The local Edinburgh charity, Edinburgh Tool Library provides comprehensive training and cycle maintenance workshops to empower people with knowledge to use tools effectively.

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 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.

How the Scottish Building Society Foundation has helped Edinburgh Tool Library

The library is set to continue its work in driving forward sustainable transport across the city after receiving funding a donation of £5,000 from the Foundation, for its Cycle Kitchen project despite funding being cut last year.
The grant provided 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 plays a pivotal role in promoting sustainable transport and driving community engagement whilst Edinburgh Tool Library’s Cycle Kitchen enables its members to tackle fuel poverty, promotes bicycle tool proficiency, and fosters self-reliance in the community.

Thomas Bartels, Project Coordinator, Edinburgh Tool Library

"We can't thank the Foundation enough for their incredible support of our Cycle Kitchen project. Their funding has helped us create a fully equipped workshop where the Meadowbank cycling and wheeling community can come together to learn and share bike maintenance skills. Thanks to their generosity, we've gone from helping just a few people each month to welcoming dozens each week. It's amazing to see how this project is building confidence and a sense of community.

"This summer, we're excited to start our basic maintenance classes, teaching even more people how to keep their bikes running smoothly. Our journey has been truly transformative, and we urge other community projects to seek out Foundation grants. The support we've received has made a world of difference, and together, we can continue to make positive changes in our neighborhoods."

Paul Denton,
CEO at Scottish Building Society

“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.”