The South Edinburgh Echo is the youngest of the Capital's community newspapers to work under the umbrella of Edinburgh Community Newspaper Trust.  It was the first and only to introduce a youth magazine in Branded, the first to set up and maintain a website and the first to publish its news online.

Ten years on from humble beginnings, the publication is enjoyed by those in an area of Edinburgh that is home to over 100,000 people.

In September 1997, Linda Wright – the current chair of South Edinburgh Community Newspaper Ltd – and some like-minded local people set up a steering group to explore publishing a community newspaper to benefit the political wards of Prestonfield, Inch, Gilmerton, Alnwickhill and Kaimes.

In February 1998, the group called its first public meeting and formed a board for SECN. Of the original board only three directors remain in their posts today: company secretary Alistar Frater, John "Taffy" Baird and chairperson Linda Wright. 

In March that year, SECN employed its first editor, Philip Cowan, and set up office in an area no larger than a cupboard in Gilmerton Community Centre. The first edition was published in June 1998, and this was followed by a launch party in the Inch Community Centre. The South Edinburgh Echo was born.

Following some delivery hiccups during the first year, SECN signed a door-to-door contract with Royal Mail. From September 1998 until the present day, your local 'postie' has been the delivery person for your copy of the newspaper.

In September 1999 Philip left The Echo to take up a post with the Glasgow Herald and at the same time we moved to accommodation at the Gracemount Pavilions sharing a corner in the office of the newly-formed South Edinburgh Partnership management team.

Susie Donkin was appointed as the new editor and increased advertising revenue to such an extent as to allow SECN to employ an additional assistant and youth worker in 2000 in the shape of Kate Murdoch.

When the Partnership moved to the new facility in Newtoft Street, The Echo moved to an office there and during the time Kate worked with us, the idea to reach younger readers was developed and grant funding obtained.

Kate left, and with the new funding SECN employed an editorial assistant, Richard Biggs, in August 2001 to develop what was to become Branded, a highly-acclaimed youth magazine produced by and for the young people of South Edinburgh. This was launched in late-2001.

In March 2002, funding and advertising sales also allowed SECN to employ more clerical support and Pauline Glasier joined the staff team. As things grew busier, the office was more crowded and it was with some excitement that The Echo office moved yet again to its current home at no. 64 Gilmerton Dykes St. This allowed more space to develop Branded and room to accommodate journalism students and young people from our local secondary schools on work experience.

Some, like author Steven Deighan (see 'Entertainment', pages 6 and 7 of this issue), have gone on to develop writing careers but were allowed to sample the world of writing and publishing at The Echo and gained the unforgettable experience of seeing their stories and articles in print.

In May 2004, Susie decided to move on and she was replaced as editor by Lara Armitage. SECN decided to develop further to increase the income to the company by establishing a design service. With a view to serving the new community planning areas, The Echo could now be picked up from drop boxes in outlying areas from Liberton and Gilmerton, such as Newington, Southside, Morningside, and Marchmont.  In February 2007, following a period of maternity leave, Lara decided to leave her post, and when Branded funding ended in March of that year Richard too decided to move on.

In May 2007, SECN recruited Alex Schweitzer-Thompson, the current editor, to work at 'Echo Towers'.

In January this year, with a funding crisis looming, The Echo was forced to say goodbye to administrator Pauline, leaving Alex to work on his own at no. 64. He has never been completely alone, however, because as with all the editors over the years he has been successful in recruiting willing and helpful volunteers to produce stories, articles and copy for the paper. Now, administrative tasks are undertaken by volunteers. Throughout the past ten years, members of the board past and present all gave and continue to give their time and expertise freely to support your local community newspaper.

The newspaper's tenth anniversary is cause for celebration, however South Edinburgh Community Newspaper Ltd faces an uncertain future – funding is not guaranteed and the board and the editor of the paper are working hard to find an alternative path to take The Echo forward.

Political figures emerged to pay tribute to the newspaper, speaking of its role in promoting community spirit and in providing information specific to people of South Edinburgh.

Connie Bennett of the Scottish Youth Parliament said, "The South Edinburgh Echo plays an integral role in recognising and highlighting the positive contribution that young people make to their community, this is fundamental to combatting the negative portrayal and stereotypes of young people that often exist. By showcasing how young people are making a difference locally the South Edinburgh Echo provides vital news and views about local issues and events to its residents, often helping to bridge generational gaps and foster community spirit."

MP Nigel Griffiths said, "For ten years The Echo has served thousands of local citizens with information that is simply not found elsewhere. It has spoken out without fear or favour and we cannot allow its independent voice to be silenced."

Cllr Conor Snowden said, "South Edinburgh has changed considerably over the last ten years and The Echo has been there reporting it. Now that it is moving into a new era I hope it continues to provide good quality local community news and information."

Gavin Brown, the Conservative list MSP, showed his appreciation of The Echo by lodging a parliamentary motion, which read, "...The Parliament congratulates the South Edinburgh Echo on its tenth anniversary; applauds the hard work of the editor, Alex Schweitzer-Thompson, chairperson, Linda Wright, and all of the board as well as all the volunteers and previous staff whose dedication underpins the success of the paper; notes that the Echo is a focal point of the local community, playing an important role in promoting local events and highlighting achievements of local charities and organisations; believes that newspapers such as the Echo play a vital role across the south of Edinburgh, and further believes that the newspaper has a valuable role to play in the south of Edinburgh for many years to come."