A TOOL library has been set up in East Linton, with members able to access tools for all their building, gardening and repair work needs.

Based in a portable cabin at The Mart, it is part of the Fixing For A Future project, a collaboration between Sustaining Dunbar and Climate Action East Linton.

The tool library, launched on May 18, was able to go ahead thanks to funding from the Climate Challenge Fund.

Both Fixing For A Future and the new tool library are run by project officer Rosie Harrison, who is assisted by a team of volunteers.

Rosie, who lives just outside East Linton, said: “Our original plan was to have monthly repair cafes at The Mart but, due to Covid-19 limitations, we decided that a shift of focus to a tool library would best enable us to fulfil the project aims of promoting the circular economy; enabling an increase in skills to repair belongings; encouraging an ethos of reducing consumption, waste to landfill and CO2 emissions; and providing a valuable resource for the community.

“We’re in contact with Edinburgh Tool Library and other tool libraries across Scotland about setting up a national network of tool libraries.”

The tool library is open every Tuesday, 5-7pm, and every Saturday, 10am-noon. Anyone who is a member can use it – at a cost of £25 a year.

A wide range of tools are available for indoors and outdoors tasks, as well as sewing, plumbing, maintenance and bicycle repair.

The cabin’s interior, including seating, shelving and storage, was designed and built by volunteer George Young, a Haddington-based student at The Chippendale International School of Furniture. He was assisted by five classmates.

A range of volunteering opportunities are available within the tool library, including cataloguing, tool repair and maintenance, and delivering workshops. Donations of tools in good condition are also welcome.

For full details on the tool inventory and to become a member, visit eastlintontoollibrary.org. To donate tools or become a volunteer, contact Rosie at eastlintontoollibrary@gmail.com

Skills workshops are due to be held over the summer in textiles, furniture and bicycle repair.