Arniston Improvement Trust
The Arniston Improvement Trust is a registered charity, set up in 1987 to distribute funds in support of local voluntary clubs or community groups in and around the Arniston and Gorebridge areas.
About the Trust
The Arniston Improvement Trust is a registered charity, which was set up in 1987 to distribute funds in support of local voluntary clubs or community groups in and
around the Arniston and Gorebridge areas.
The Trust's income is generated by the Hunterfield Gothenburg Tavern Trust which owns the Hunterfield Tavern at 119 Hunterfield Road as well
as the small bakery next door. These premises are leased to tenants by the Hunterfield Gothenburg Tavern Trust and the profits from these leases are passed on to the Arniston Improvement Trust each year. The Trustees are members of both Trusts and members of the local community who work in a voluntary capacity. Each of the Trusts activities are governed by similar, but separate deeds of trust, which can be viewed here
117a Hunterfield Road
The Bakery has operated well and has generated a regular and reliable modest income for the charity which has been used to support local groups. The Bakery now has a new tenant who took over in the summer of 2021 and who has refurbished the building inside and out.
119 Hunterfield Road
Friday, 12 September 2025
We gave a commitment to keep the Community, through the Community Council, informed of our plans for the Hunterfield
Tavern when legal matters enabled us to do so. Plans we may have had for moving forward have
been torn apart by developments over the past few days.
Following conclusion of legal proceedings to end the tenancy and formally evict our tenant we were
advised by our lawyer that we were now able to take possession of the building and on Thursday 4th
September Trustees, with the assistance of a locksmith entered the building. We were absolutely
devastated to find that most of the interior of the building had been severely damaged, and all of the
fixtures and fittings had been removed. The damage is massively in excess of what would have been
required to remove any fixtures and fittings and is clearly deliberate. As a result, considerable work
will be required to bring the building back to a usable state.
The police attended on Monday 8th September at 9am and examined the damage. Due to the
ongoing police enquiry, we are not able to comment further at this time, but we will do as soon as we
are able.
Latest Supported Projects
Gorebridge Community Development Trust
Replacement Tables
The Trust were please to be able to assist the Gorebridge Community Development Trust at short notice with a donation of £1,200 enabling them to purchase a number of upcycled tables for use in the Beacon.
The new tables will enhance the usability of the hub, allowing them to maintain a welcoming and functional environment for all who rely on their facilities daily.
Borthwick & District Pipe Band
Donation
Borthwick & District Pipe Band has been brought back to life after being dormant since covid. The band has a great history of over 100 years teaching the art of playing pipes and drums to all ages but particularly young people.
The Trust was please to be able to assist with a donation of £3,000
The Trust have since recevied a letter from the the Pipe Major explaining the difference the donation has made to the band. You can read the letter here
If you wish to make a donation to support the band please click here
Gorebridge Galaday
Annual Event
The Trust considers support for Gorebridge Galaday as one of our top priorities. In 2024 the Trust provided the Galaday with another £3,000 donation.
Gorebridge Brownies and Guides
Donation towards Costs
Arniston Improvement Trust provided the 3rd Gorebridge Brownies and Guides with another £1,050 in 2023 towards the costs of renting halls and Association Fees to help keep weekly subscriptions as low as possible.
Newbyres Community Trust
Seed Funding
The Arniston Improvement Trust was pleased to support the setting up of the Newbyres Community Trust with a £500 donation. The trust’s aim is to improve the health and wellbeing of local people by increasing opportunities to take part in sport and to ultimately find resources to refurbish Newbyres Park, home to Arniston Rangers Football Club, as a community and sporting resource for the future.
Gorebridge Galaday
100th Galaday Event
Support for Gorebridge Galaday is a priority for the Trust and we were please in 2023 to assist the Galaday to mark its 100th year with a significant donation towards this amazing milestone.
St Andrew's Primary
Breakfast Box Project
The Trust provided funding to St Andrew's Primary School for a Breakfast Box Project which provides a breakfast box for every classroom ensuring that snacks are available for children who may arrive at school hungry.
"The breakfast boxes are a great thing to have especially for children who have arrived to school without morning snack. Our boxes give the children choice, ensuring they do not go hungry". (St Andrew's Primary School)
Arniston Rangers Youth FC
Installation of Facilities
The Trust has supported this excellent club on a number of occasions and recently donated £1,000 toward improving facilities at their training pitches in Arniston Park, having previously provided £3,000 towards the astro-pitches upgrades.
Emily Court Residents
Contribution towards Christmas Party
The Trust were happy to contribute toward a Christmas Party for the residents of Email Court, a group of sheltered houses just next to our buildings in Hunterfield Road.
Midlothian Foodbank
Donation to Funds
Following an appeal from the Foodbank for assistance in these very challenging times, the Trust agreed to provide funding of £1,000 towards this vital service which is located in Gorebridge.
Gorebridge Opportunities
Donation to Funds
Gorebridge Opportunities (GO) has been operating in the village since 2003. They work with around 100 local children to provide activities such as games and challenges, computers, sports, board games and crafts. We were pleased to assist their work with a donation of £2,000
Gorebridge Community Cares
Refurbishment Project
Gorebridge Community Cares took ownership of the former Police Station in Hunterfield Road and have worked hard to create an excellent community facility in the building. The Trust was pleased to donation £3,000 towards specific improvements to the building.