The New Makars Trust exists to support the development and performance of songs about life in Scottish communities. Projects of the Trust have involved established songwriters working with different community groups to create and perform songs about life in their communities. Songwriters from the Trust set out to work with, not for community groups, and will always give encouragement to those wishing to participate in writing and performing songs.

To date the Trust has undertaken major projects in Fife and South Lanarkshire, and particular community projects in Abbeyview and Anstruther in Fife. Details of this work will appear on this site. Generally the work has shown a significant level of interest in the idea of creating songs, and participation and attendance at events has been encouragingly high. Many participants have reported that participation in the work has stimulated interest in the life of the community, and enhanced the self confidence and community spirit of those involved. Songwriters involved in the Trust have experience of working with people of all ages in primary, secondary and special schools, homes and clubs for the elderly, and youth and community groups.

The Trust has only limited untied funds, and depends on funding bodies to provide the funds for individual projects. To date the work of the Trust has been supported by the Scottish Arts Council Lottery funds, Fife Council, South Lanarkshire Council, the New Opportunities Funded Out of School Hours Learning Project, Stanza Poetry Festival, individual primary and secondary schools, and the Paul Hamlyn Foundation. The Trust has recently been awarded a small organisational development grant by the Scottish Arts Council, and is therefore in a position to explore possible projects, and how they might be funded with any interested parties - local authorities, community festival groups, or groups wishing to express in song any aspect of life in their local community.

If you wish to find out more about the Trust, or discuss any project ideas, contact Trust Secretary Gifford Lind on 01383 729673, email secretary@newmakarstrust.org.uk or any of the Trustees.
The New Makars Trust is a Scottish Charity - Scottish Charity Number SC026886.
Trustees - Jack Beck, Steve Byrne, Ian Davison, Carol Laula, Robin Laing (Convener), Ewan McVicar (Treasurer), Scott Murray. Secretary - Gifford Lind.