Midlothian Council: Facilitating Private-Social Partnership to Support Sustainability
This case study focuses on a Private-Social Partnership between a local Registered Charity and a private sector business, supported by Midlothian Council’s Economic Development Service.
Context
In early 2025, Midlothian Council’s Economic Development Service began working with the Glencorse Association. They were struggling to manage the on site community-run café alongside other core activities. Officers provided support to explore leasing options and commercialisation strategies, aiming to transform the café into a sustainable community asset.
The Glencorse Centre aims to bring people together by providing a welcoming space for connection, activity, and growth. The Centre supports community wellbeing through social events, classes, and clubs for all ages. With facilities for sports, gatherings, and local initiatives, it serves as a vibrant hub at the heart of Auchendinny.
Midlothian Council support
The Glencorse Association were already engaged with the Council for ad hoc support and worked with them to identify alternative options for the café and community centre, including guidance on restructuring and governance, to support their aim of creating a more vibrant community hub in Auchendinny, especially in light of recent population growth.
The guidance provided gave the organisation the confidence and knowledge to commercialise the café while reinvesting profits into community initiatives. Officers also facilitated early referrals to potential operators and supported business planning.
Impact/outcomes
The café space was taken on by Two Pines Ltd, founded by Chris and Tessa, whose values aligned with the Trust’s. The café has become a catalyst for community connection, bridging gaps between new residents and long-time locals, and embedding the Centre at the heart of the village.
Success is evident in the café’s impact: increased footfall, stronger community engagement, and new opportunities for local young people through barista training and employment. Several community events have now been hosted in the Café bringing a new audience to the Centre and residents, both new and original, are now coming together creating a cohesive community.
“This isn’t just a café, it’s a community centre with a café that’s creating a real community hub. It’s what we hoped for and more,” says Kate Williamson Centre Coordinator at Glencorse Centre.
“We’re so excited to be doing this project in the Glencorse Centre, right at the heart of the community. Our hope is to create a space where everyone feels comfortable dropping in, connecting, and enjoying something local” says Tessa, owner of Two Pines.
Learning
The journey required direct engagement with stakeholders, including calls with the Centre Coordinator and potentially interested parties, which required buy in from the board of the Association. The Council’s flexible and responsive support helped ensure progress and continuity.
This case shows the value of adaptive support and highlights how councils can play a strategic role in enabling community wealth building through practical, place-based interventions.
Future plans and link to Community Wealth Building
The current café tenants have a lease in place. This allows it to continues to evolve, offering catering, hosting events, and sourcing ingredients locally, including from the Glencorse Community Garden. This approach generates regular, steady income for the Association to reinvest in community initiatives.
This initiative exemplifies the CWB approach with the private and third sector collaborating to add value to the Association’s offering while generating steady trade for the Café. This partnership model demonstrates the creation and retention of wealth in a small rural community and creates inclusive employment and strengthens the community infrastructure.
