About Us

Our story, our mission, and the people behind St. Oswald's Centre.

Our Story

St. Oswald's Centre is a community charity based in Bruntsfield, Edinburgh. The building was acquired through a Community Asset Transfer in 2021, enabled by the Scottish Land Fund, putting this beautiful historic building into community hands.

We are registered as a Scottish Charity (SC050913) and governed by a dedicated volunteer board committed to making this space work for everyone in the community.

Our vision is to create a warm, welcoming, and inclusive community hub — a place for childcare, youth programmes, community groups, arts, and wellbeing activities that serves the people of Bruntsfield and beyond.

Our Values

Community First

Every decision we make is guided by what is best for the people of Bruntsfield and beyond.

Inclusion

We are open to everyone. Diversity strengthens our community and enriches everything we do.

Heritage

We honour the building's history while breathing new life into it for generations to come.

Board of Trustees

St. Oswald's Centre is governed by a volunteer board of trustees who are committed to building a thriving community hub in Bruntsfield.

Anna Giulia Cescon, Trustee

Anna Giulia Cescon

Trustee

Over 10 years of product management experience across Italy, Nigeria, and Edinburgh. Co-founded Casa Montessori in 2019. Has two children attending Bruntsfield Primary School.

Kaz Lyon, Trustee

Kaz Lyon

Trustee

Qualified accountant from KPMG with background in audit, risk, and systems automation at Aegon. Currently Operations Lead at Edinburgh Communities Climate Action Network. Trustee at Community Energy Scotland.

Hamish Matheson, Trustee

Hamish Matheson

Trustee

20 years as a geologist and exploration manager in energy projects, now a Scottish seaweed farmer, Hamish lives in Bruntsfield and is the clubs treasurer for Bruntsfield Primary School.

JV (Jose) Noriega Valentine, Trustee

JV (Jose) Noriega Valentine

Trustee

15 years in Edinburgh's facilities management industry covering delivery, planning, and contracting. Passionate about community cohesion, social value, and sustainability.

Steve Platt, Trustee

Steve Platt

Trustee

Emeritus Professor of Health Policy Research at the University of Edinburgh. Extensive charity board experience including Samaritans UK and Mental Health Foundation. A 50-year Edinburgh resident with 30+ years in Bruntsfield.

Michael Scott, Trustee

Michael Scott

Trustee

Edinburgh-born investment manager at Walter Scott & Partners and CFA Charterholder. Involved with MCR Pathways, Future Asset Consulting, and Capability Scotland. Bruntsfield resident for 7 years.

Working Groups

Alongside the board, dedicated working groups of community enthusiasts and professionals drive progress across three key areas.

Building Group

Overseeing the restoration and renovation of St. Oswald's Centre, working with architects and contractors to bring the building back to life.

Gardening Group

Developing and maintaining the outdoor spaces around the centre, creating a welcoming green environment for the whole community to enjoy.

Fundraising Group

Securing grants, organising fundraising events, and growing the support base that makes everything at St. Oswald's Centre possible.

Interested in joining a working group?

Get in Touch

Supporting Partners

We are grateful to the local architects, contractors, and professionals who are also community members and parents — giving their time, expertise, and goodwill to help St. Oswald's Centre flourish.

  • Local Architects
  • Building Contractors
  • Scottish Land Fund
  • Bruntsfield Primary School
  • Community Energy Scotland
  • Edinburgh Communities Climate Action Network
  • Eric Liddlle Community