The Soot campaigns` parent organisation the Canongate Community Forum (CCF) was successful in receiving an award from the Scottish Community Action Research Fund SCARF  at the end of last year.  Premises have now been secured to run the project from in St Mary's St.

The programme will run from the 1st of May onwards until June.

The shop is no. 8 St Mary's Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1SU ...which is just off the Canongate., at the top of the street nearest the Royal mile.

People of all ages are encouraged to get involved and you don't have to live or work in the Canongate, if you care about the capital's historic heart do join in.

An initial planning meeting was held to decide the details of what will be included in the on Tuesday the 4^th March 7- 9pm in the shop and an ideas day was held on Sunday the 16th March between 12.30pm and 5pm.

Information dates and events will be posted in the windows of the shop as well as around town and on www.eh8.org.uk.

To get involved just pop along to the shop, or email canongatecommunityforum@yahoo.co.uk

You are welcome to do what it is you are interested in and comfortable doing, although it is an excellent opportunity to learn new skills and discover talents you didn't know you had. 

 All input is voluntary although expenses will be covered where appropriate.

The following are merely things to get you thinking,-

• The shop itself will need staffed, welcoming folk, helping with displays, teas, coffees etc...
• General Admin
• Publicity, leaflets, posters, press, radio, TV, the web
• Information gathering, will include in the shop, computer searches, networking, on street surveys, etc
• Filming, photography, writing and documenting process and findings
• Local businesses being brought in to be involved
• Helping out with events and workshops

This list is not exhaustive, so do get thinking and jot down your thoughts and ideas.  Looking at what is good in the area, its downsides, what is missing, what could be improved could all be explored. Alternatives to developer led regeneration? What Edinburgh World Heritage status means to you, the city, the area, your home?