Hilary Lowson - Our Community Development  Officer

​Also well known in our local area as Hilary Morrison, ​Hilary has worked with us since Spring 2014. She has developed fantastic pilot projects that came out of previous consultation with various groups in the surrounding communities. The aim being to provide education and social activities that engage people in learning and meeting others before the farmhouse renovation begins, and allows a whole range of people and groups to find out about the project and contribute ideas for future use of the farmhouse. 

Recent work has included:

• Café training at Sandy’s in Craigmillar – where participants not only gained 3 qualifications, but ran a café offering a 3 course lunch to socially isolated people.(see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1m0OFZSDcc0)
• Working with the team on Forest skills workshops for young people in Liberton/Gilmerton.
• Delivering Natural Cosmetics at Valley Park Community Centre for 10-16 year olds.
• Conducting an audit of the park with people either experiencing mobility issues or handling wheels from prams to mobility scooters and wheel chairs.
• Creating a kitchen garden – herbs, vegetables with raised beds in respect of mobility access.
• Working with a local team to create a magazine investigating food issues – Let’s Eat!

Examples of earlier work below.

Hilary has many years experience in community development and adult education, with a whole range of groups, particularly in the areas surrounding Bridgend Farmhouse. She has worked with Craigmillar Archives Trust, Community Literacy and Numeracy, Seasons, and Craigmillar Community Arts.

If you would like to know more about Hilary's work or get involved with any of the initiatives please contact the BIG team here.

Examples of earlier work are:

• a Hidden Nature – a photography group with Niddrie Mill primary school which included an exhibition at Craigmillar library using the pupils’ images and, in collaboration withthe Craigmillar Archives Trust archived images of growing in the area going back to the late 19thc
• the BIG Food Con (a food awareness and cookery course)
• Health Issues in the Community course
• Craigmillar Park Forest Festival
• Goodtrees festival – fun crafts for confident kids.
• Everyday Magic nature workshops
• Walking group
• Adult Woodland picnic day with relaxation exercises
• Reminiscence work with Golden Years group in the Inch. (see: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mgTO9IibWQ )