The Eric Liddell Community
The Eric Liddell Community is an Edinburgh-based care charity, founded in 1980, providing specialist dementia day care, unpaid-carer wellbeing programmes, and a community hub serving thousands of local residents while stewarding Olympic-legend Eric Liddell's legacy.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1980
- HeadquartersEdinburgh, United Kingdom
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What The Eric Liddell Community does
The Eric Liddell Community (registered charity SC003147) is an Edinburgh-based care charity and community hub founded in 1980 in memory of Eric Liddell, the 1924 Olympic 400m gold medallist, Scottish Rugby international, and missionary. It operates four strategic programmes from a single converted church headquarters at 15 Morningside Road, Edinburgh: (i) a Dementia Day Care Service providing 70 weekly spaces and rated 'excellent'; (ii) a Carers Programme supporting 500+ unpaid carers through befriending, respite, wellbeing workshops, music therapy, and digital skills training; (iii) a Community Hub hosting classes, Café Connect, and rentable rooms/offices to roughly 7,000 visitors per month; and (iv) The Eric Liddell 100, an international centenary legacy initiative (2022-2024) producing exhibitions, the National Eric Liddell Awards, educational resources for schools, and a free Online Learning Course co-developed with the University of Edinburgh and Woodgate Consulting. The charity is supported by 117 volunteers, Royal Patron Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal (since December 2024), and high-profile institutional partners including Scottish Athletics, Scottish Rugby, Youthlink Scotland, and the National Lottery Community Fund.
The organisation is funded through three primary revenue streams: charitable donations and fundraising (JustGiving, Kiltwalk events matched by Sir Tom Hunter, Summer/Christmas/Olympic Year appeals, and legacy gifts), grant funding (notably a £109,000 three-year award from The National Lottery Community Fund in December 2023), and community-hub facility rental income from tenants and venue hire. Go-to-market is community-led: direct service delivery at the Edinburgh hub, referral pipelines from healthcare providers and local authorities, word-of-mouth, partnerships with local authorities and cultural/sports bodies, organic social media, and Royal/media-driven PR coverage including BBC Songs of Praise. There is no proprietary technology platform; service delivery is in-person at the hub with selected digital classes (yoga, Indian dance, mindfulness, music therapy) added during and after COVID-19.
The Eric Liddell Community filed no revenue figure and operates with no disclosed headcount beyond the 117-volunteer base and a 'dedicated staff team.' Under Royal Patronage and with a refreshed senior leadership (new CEO Megan Veronesi, COO Claire Ritchie, earlier COO hire Paul Drury in April 2023), the charity is professionalising operations while navigating the conclusion of its Eric Liddell 100 centenary campaign and the post-pandemic recovery period. Notable 2024 milestones included the World Athletics Heritage Plaque, a Scottish Parliament exhibition, the National Eric Liddell Awards at George Watson's College, and a Congratulatory Motion from the City of Edinburgh Council in 2025.
The Eric Liddell Community firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- The Eric Liddell Community
- Legal name
- The Eric Liddell Community
- Website
- https://ericliddell.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1980
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- The Eric Liddell Community is an Edinburgh-based care charity, founded in 1980, providing specialist dementia day care, unpaid-carer wellbeing programmes, and a community hub serving thousands of local residents while stewarding Olympic-legend Eric Liddell's legacy.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
The Eric Liddell Community industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Dementia Care and Community Social Services
- NAICS
- Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (624120), Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (62412)
- SIC
- Services-Nursing & Personal Care Facilities (8050), Services-Social Services (8300)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Dementia Personal Care (ADLs) Support (HSABAEAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Community-Based Senior Centers with Adult Day Services (HLADAIAJ), Caregiver Support, Coaching & Training (HLADALAG), Elder Services & Aging Support (BPAGAEAF), Dementia Care Coordination & Care Planning (HSABAEAJ), Dementia & Alzheimer’s Respite Care (HSABAGAF)
Keywords
Where The Eric Liddell Community is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Edinburgh
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
The Eric Liddell Community business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others
Revenue model
- Charitable Donations & Fundraising: The charity raises funds from individuals through direct donations (JustGiving platform), Kiltwalk fundraising events, Christmas and Summer Appeals, and legacy gifts left in wills. Sir Tom Hunter has previously matched Kiltwalk funds raised.
- Grant Funding: The charity receives grant funding from institutional funders including The National Lottery Community Fund (£109,000 over three years) and other named supporters. These grants fund specific programmes such as the community engagement and befriending services.
- Community Hub Rental Income: The charity generates income from renting out rooms and office spaces in its converted church building to community groups, tenants, and organisations. This includes both daily and weekly venue hire.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels9 records
The Eric Liddell Community product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The Eric Liddell Community is an Edinburgh-based registered care charity delivering a specialist Dementia Day Care Service (70 weekly spaces), a wellbeing and befriending programme for unpaid carers of people with dementia, a Community Hub providing classes, Café Connect, and rentable rooms and offices, and The Eric Liddell 100 centenary initiative comprising educational resources, exhibitions and the National Eric Liddell Awards.
Product overview
The Eric Liddell Community is an Edinburgh-based care charity offering a portfolio of services for people living with dementia, unpaid carers, and the broader community. Its core services include a specialist Dementia Day Care Service (providing 70 weekly spaces), a Carers Programme offering wellbeing support and befriending services, and a Community Hub featuring classes, café, and rentable spaces. The organisation also leads The Eric Liddell 100, a centenary initiative (2022-2024) that includes educational products (Online Learning Course, School Education Resource, Sports Toolkit), exhibitions, the National Eric Liddell Awards, and community landmarks. The portfolio is unified by the charity's mission to combat loneliness and isolation while preserving Eric Liddell's legacy of passion, compassion, and integrity.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- The Eric Liddell 100: An international legacy initiative to celebrate the life, sporting and community service achievements of Eric Liddell, launched in 2022.
Products and services
- Dementia Day Care Service
Quantifiable outcome
- 500+ unpaid carers supported on an ongoing basis
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use The Eric Liddell Community
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
The Eric Liddell Community technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
The Eric Liddell Community partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
16 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.
- Her Royal Highness The Princess RoyalflagshipHer Royal Highness The Princess Royal initially served as Patron of The Eric Liddell 100 (2021–2024) and was announced as Royal Patron of The Eric Liddell Community in December 2024. She attended key events including the inaugural Eric Liddell Lecture, centenary service at St. Giles' Cathedral, National Eric Liddell Awards, and visited the community hub as Royal Patron in April 2025. Her support amplifies the charity's profile and credibility.
- University of EdinburghcoreCollaborated with The Eric Liddell Community to develop The Eric Liddell 100 Online Learning Course for adults, launched January 2024. Also partnered on educational resources for schools. Professor Dr Grant Jarvie (Chair of Sport) delivered the inaugural Eric Liddell Lecture. The university is the keeper of Eric Liddell's sporting medals and hosts his statue.
- Woodgate ConsultingcoreCo-developed The Eric Liddell 100 Online Learning Course alongside the University of Edinburgh, launched January 2024. The course was developed by a team of researchers from Scotland and China.
- Nomad ExhibitionscoreDeveloped multiple Eric Liddell exhibitions including a pop-up at St. Enoch Centre Glasgow (February–March 2024) during World Athletics Indoor Championships, a major exhibition at Scottish Parliament (July–September 2024), and hosted the 'Eric Liddell and Weifang' exhibition at the community hub.
- Melrose 7scorePartnership announced for 2024 as part of The Eric Liddell 100 centenary celebrations. Men's and women's Eric Liddell 100 rugby teams participated in the Melrose 7s tournament. Eric Liddell won seven caps for Scotland in rugby before focusing on athletics.
- Chinese Consulate General in EdinburghcoreHosted a commemoration reception in memory of Eric Liddell at The Eric Liddell Community on 21 June 2024, recognising his contribution toward forging a friendship between China and Scotland. Consul General Zhang Biao spoke at the event.
- Scottish AthleticscorePartner in The Eric Liddell 100 awards programme and renamed the 131st Senior Championships to 'The Eric Liddell 131st Senior Championships' in 2024. Scottish Athletics CEO Colin Hutchison is part of the strategic leadership group.
- Scottish RugbycorePartner in The Eric Liddell 100 and involved in Eric Liddell's induction into the Scottish Rugby Hall of Fame. Graham Law (Senior Corporate Affairs) is part of the strategic leadership group.
- Youthlink ScotlandcorePartner in The Eric Liddell 100 awards programme, nominating individuals who demonstrated passion, compassion, and integrity for recognition awards.
- Scottish Disability SportcorePartner in The Eric Liddell 100 awards programme, nominating individuals for awards at the National Eric Liddell Awards.
- Weihsien West Civilians Concentration Camp Site MuseumcoreOrganised the 'Eric Liddell and Weifang' bilingual exhibition in partnership with The Eric Liddell Community, showcasing Eric Liddell's life at the Weihsien Camp and connections between Scotland and China.
- Judson UniversityminorThe Eric Liddell 100 collaborated with Judson University in Chicago for its first international fundraising event at the 2023 World Leaders Forum. Eric Liddell's daughter Patricia Liddell Russell and niece Sue Caton attended.
- Chicago ScotsminorMet Gus Noble, President and CEO of Chicago Scots (founded 1845 as the Illinois Saint Andrew Society), during the Judson University visit. Explored parallels between dementia care at Caledonia Senior Living and The Eric Liddell Community.
- Edinburgh and Lothians Greenspace Trust (ELGT)minorPartnership to offer free garden saplings to Edinburgh residents as a sustainable alternative to Christmas trees, aligning with the charity's environmental values.
- The Edinburgh RemakeryminorA community sustainability charity offering workshops teaching sustainable skills and crafts. Their profits are reinvested into social and environmental projects. Featured as a community partner on the Eric Liddell Community website.
- George Watson's CollegecoreHosted the National Eric Liddell Awards on 1 November 2024. Olympic silver medallist Gemma Burton, a PE teacher at the school, coordinated the education resource project. The school's pipe band performed at The Eric Liddell Way unveiling.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
The Eric Liddell Community competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Age Scotland: Scotland-wide charity supporting older people through advice, day activities, and community programmes. Comparable as a multi-service older-adult charity with strong volunteer infrastructure and Edinburgh presence.
- Alzheimer Scotland: Scotland's leading dementia charity operating day services, dementia cafes, and carer support across the country. Directly comparable as the primary specialist dementia support provider in the same geography, though operating at much larger national scale.
- Sense Scotland: Scotland-wide charity supporting people with complex disabilities, including dementia and older adults, through day services and supported living. Comparable as a Scottish charity providing specialist day support for vulnerable populations.
- Bethany Christian Trust: Edinburgh-based Christian charity providing care, housing, and support services for vulnerable people including older adults. Comparable as an Edinburgh-headquartered faith-inspired care charity; Paul Drury held Director-level roles there for 11 years.
- VOCAL (Voice of Carers Across Lothian): Edinburgh/Lothian carer support charity providing respite, training, and advocacy specifically for unpaid carers. Direct overlap with The Eric Liddell Community's Carers Programme for dementia carers in the same geographic catchment.
- CrossReach: Scotland-wide social care charity (Church of Scotland) operating dementia day services, carer respite, and older-adult support. Highly comparable service portfolio; Paul Drury (now Head of Fundraising at Eric Liddell) was previously Head of Fundraising at CrossReach.
Broad incumbents
- Dementia UK: National UK charity providing specialist dementia nurse (Admiral Nurse) support and carer services. Comparable as a dementia-focused charity but operating at significantly larger national scale with a clinical-specialist model.
- Alzheimer's Research UK: Major UK charity funding dementia research and awareness. Comparable in dementia-focused mission but operates a research-funding model rather than direct service delivery, making it adjacent rather than directly competing.
Regional players
- Morningside Community Church (and similar local community hubs): Local Edinburgh community spaces offering rooms, classes, and community activities. Comparable as community-hub operators serving overlapping geographic users, though lacking the dementia and carers specialism that defines the Eric Liddell Community.
Others
- Meals on Wheels Edinburgh / Edinburgh Community Food: Edinburgh community organisations supporting older adults with nutrition and social contact. Thematically comparable in addressing loneliness and isolation among Edinburgh seniors but not a direct competitor for day care or carers services.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
The Eric Liddell Community social profiles
Digital presenceThe Eric Liddell Community financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
The Eric Liddell Community leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles6 records
The Eric Liddell Community funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
The Eric Liddell Community M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about The Eric Liddell Community
What does The Eric Liddell Community do?
The Eric Liddell Community is an Edinburgh-based registered care charity delivering a specialist Dementia Day Care Service (70 weekly spaces), a wellbeing and befriending programme for unpaid carers of people with dementia, a Community Hub providing classes, Café Connect, and rentable rooms and offices, and The Eric Liddell 100 centenary initiative comprising educational resources, exhibitions and the National Eric Liddell Awards.
Is The Eric Liddell Community a public or private company?
The Eric Liddell Community is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was The Eric Liddell Community founded?
The Eric Liddell Community was founded in 1980. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is The Eric Liddell Community based?
The Eric Liddell Community is headquartered in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does The Eric Liddell Community make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Charitable Donations & Fundraising is the primary driver. The others are grant Funding and community Hub Rental Income.
Who are The Eric Liddell Community's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Age Scotland, Alzheimer Scotland, Sense Scotland, Bethany Christian Trust, VOCAL (Voice of Carers Across Lothian) and CrossReach. Broad incumbents are Dementia UK and Alzheimer's Research UK. Morningside Community Church (and similar local community hubs) is listed as a regional player. Meals on Wheels Edinburgh / Edinburgh Community Food is listed as an others.
Does The Eric Liddell Community have an API?
No public API is recorded for The Eric Liddell Community.
What industry is The Eric Liddell Community in?
The Eric Liddell Community's product category is Dementia Care and Community Social Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HSABAEAB, Dementia Personal Care (ADLs) Support, with a secondary code of HLADAIAJ, Community-Based Senior Centers with Adult Day Services. Its NAICS code is 624120 and its SIC code is 8050.