ABOUT – MyEdinburgh

OUr story & team

Learn how MyEdinburgh began, the partnerships that shaped it, and the team who manage the spaces today.

History of MyEdinburgh

THE ROYAL COMPANY OF MERCHANTS
OF THE CITY OF EDINBURGH

MyEdinburgh began as an initiative of The Royal Company of Merchants of the City of Edinburgh in 2023, inspired by a simple but ambitious idea to bring together organisations, businesses, charities and civic partners to better support communities across Edinburgh through collaboration.

What started as an exploration of a shared charity hub evolved into a broader vision for a place where organisations could connect, collaborate and create positive social impact. This vision became MyEdinburgh

Working in partnership with Challenges Worldwide, the concept was brought to life through the development and use of two buildings in the heart of the city. The former bakery at Brunswick Street Lane was transformed into a flexible event and meeting venue, while Montgomery Street Lane became an affordable shared office and meeting space for purpose-led organisations.

From its inception, The Royal Company of Merchants invested more than £200,000 into the development of MyEdinburgh. This substantial investment, alongside its leadership, networks and strategic support, enabled the project to establish strong foundations and grow into the thriving collaborative community it is today.

Having successfully helped establish MyEdinburgh The Royal Company of Merchants concluded its involvement in July 2026. Having fulfilled its role in creating and nurturing the project, The Royal Company of Merchants continues to focus its resources on its wider charitable and community work across Edinburgh.

CHALLENGES WORLDWIDE

Challenges Worldwide has played a central role in bringing MyEdinburgh to life and sustaining it as a practical, welcoming and purposeful space for organisations across the city.

Since 2016, Challenges Group has invested approximately £1 million into the buildings at Montgomery Street Lane and Brunswick Street Lane. This long-term investment has supported the development, improvement and sustainability of the buildings, helping to create affordable, flexible spaces for charities, social enterprises, community groups, businesses and partner organisations.

As the delivery partner for MyEdinburgh, Challenges Worldwide has provided the operational leadership needed to turn the original vision into a working community space. This has included managing the day-to-day use of the buildings, supporting bookings and membership, maintaining the spaces, and ensuring that the offices, meeting rooms and event spaces are accessible and well used.

Challenges Worldwide has also provided staff leadership and management for MyEdinburgh, including the recruitment and line management of the Business Development Lead, Facilities Manager and Office Administrator. This operational support has ensured that MyEdinburgh has been actively promoted, managed and supported on a daily basis.

Alongside its investment in the buildings, Challenges Worldwide has invested time, staff capacity, networks and programme experience into the development of MyEdinburgh. Working in partnership with The Royal Company of Merchants, the Advisory Board, members and partner organisations, Challenges Worldwide has helped develop initiatives, encourage collaborative partnerships and create opportunities for organisations to connect, collaborate and contribute to helping everyone in Edinburgh to thrive.

Members & Partners

From the outset, MyEdinburgh was shaped by the commitment of its partner members, including organisations such as Volunteer Matters, Firstport, and individual donors, who have contributed their time, networks, ideas, investment and presence within the spaces. Their involvement has helped MyEdinburgh grow as a practical, welcoming and impact-driven community for organisations working across Edinburgh.

MyEdinburgh will continue to be managed by Challenges Worldwide, focusing on providing affordable offices, meeting rooms and event spaces that encourage connection, community engagement and positive social impact.

MEET THE TEAM

Some members of the team have been part of the MyEdinburgh journey since its inception, while others bring fresh energy and new perspectives. Together, we bring cross-sector experience and a shared commitment to collaboration, mentoring, and community impact.