May 15 2025

A cluster of historic buildings in the heart of Dunbar has been brought back to life in a novel initiative to revitalise a historic area and empower its residents.

Social enterprise Places for People teamed up with local charity The Ridge, along with Simpson & Brown and Narro, to deliver a support centre, training kitchen, offices and a multipurpose space at Black Bull Close.

Overlooking the Backlands community garden, the facilities extend the capacity of The Ridge to provide services and training opportunities in key trades such as stonemasonry and joinery. Intended to nurture the skills needed for the preservation of heritage buildings the centre also includes a kitchen garden, with surplus produce sold on to the community.

Places for People leveraged its supply chain to ease the delivery of the project through donations and skills. Marcus Hulme, places impact director at Places for People, commented: “Together, we are supporting their inspiring mission to make a lasting impact on people and places, offering critical lifelines to those who need them most. We are proud to champion their vision for the new support centre, which will undoubtedly bring enduring benefits to Dunbar and its surrounding areas.”

The Ridge, founded in 2012, supports disadvantaged individuals across Dunbar and East Linton by equipping them with skills, qualifications, and work experience while providing holistic support such as housing advice, debt counselling, mental health services, and employability training. 

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