He transformed the charity into a burgeoning social enterprise

A former minister who created an Edinburgh charity that became a lifeline to hundreds, is to hand over the reigns after 22 years as chair.  

Grassmarket Community Project (GCP) will welcome Rob Trimble as the new chair, while Richard Frazer (pictured) takes on the role of founder in recognition of his long-standing connection with GCP.

Frazer was minister of Greyfriars Kirk and began transforming redundant church pews and growing herbs in the Kirkyard and developing a Greyfriars Tartan as a way of making money to help the needy.

He then founded GCP  in the heart of the capital and now supports a community of over 600 people.

In his new role as founder, Frazer will continue to lend his support to the charity in a variety of ways including being an ambassador for the work, leading remembrance gatherings for our community and hosting an annual Founder's Lecture.

He said: “The development of GCP has been a humbling experience for me. Helping to steer the Project through these last 22 years has been the greatest honour of my professional life.

“It has also touched positively upon my personal life as well, as my wife Kate has helped to shape the sense of a caring and nurturing community that is the hallmark of GCP.

“I am glad that the board has invited Rob Trimble to succeed me as chair. In getting to know him over the last couple of years, I realise that he really understands the vision with which we have tried to shape our community.

“I am grateful that the board has asked me to continue my connection with the Project. In the role of founder, I look forward to regular visits and occasional special events as GCP continues its special and unique journey.”

Trimble was the chief executive of the Bromley by Bow Centre in East London for 20 years, leading the community charity focused on health and social enterprise.

Last year he stepped down as the founding chair of Settle Support, a charity working to prevent homelessness for care-experienced young people.

He grew up in central Scotland and now lives in Fife.

He said: “It’s a privilege to have joined GCP and get to know the extraordinary team and see for myself the incredible and transformative impact our work has on the lives of so many people in Edinburgh.

"Richard has been an inspiration and his leadership has been the foundation of all our achievements over the years.

"I am delighted to become the second chair of the charity and thrilled that Richard will remain an integral part of the GCP family as our esteemed Founder.

"We are so aware that the needs in our community are increasing and we’re more determined than ever to grow and develop a dynamic response that enables people to flourish in life.”