The project runs classes, workshops and training courses in a variety of crafts and skills aimed at all age groups.

Given charitable status under the title Bridgend Inspiring Growth (BIG), the project was one of the first in Scotland to achieve community ownership in an urban setting.

[4][5] The renegade Archibald Wauchope of Niddrie was captured at Bridgend in May 1589 after James VI arrived and broke up the siege of "a stone house within a mile" of Edinburgh.

[6] Around this time, the accused witches Agnes Sampson and Barbara Napier met at "Camroune-brig-end" for friendly talks and "hameliness".

[7] The present day farmhouse building dates from the mid 18th century and was extended to its current size early in the 19th.

[12] Planning took inspiration from the Edinburgh social reformer and town planner Sir Patrick Geddes, adopting his ethos of 'work, place, folk'.

[21] The title deeds ensured that the land and building must, in perpetuity, always and only be used as a community centre for learning, eating and exercise.

[14] The intention was a sympathetic restoration, reinstating traditional historic features such as the chimney stacks and sash and case windows.

[27][28] History of Bridgend Farmhouse is available at the Edinburgh Capital Collections archive[29] and there is an extensive selection of interviews, recordings, photos and stories collected during the Place, Work, Folk community history project in 2017-2019 available here[30] The project aims to expand opportunities for learning, healthy eating and exercise to people of all ages living in the nearby estates of Craigmillar, Niddrie, Inch, Moredun and surrounding area.

[32] Other courses have included "Making natural cosmetics", "Forest skills", and "Intergenerational storytelling" which created a book of shared stories.

These have included "Building a wormery", "Wood carving", "A singing group", "A seed library", "Film & media training for volunteers" and "Medicinal dhal workshops.

[74][75] Bridgend Farmhouse was chosen as an example of good practice in the Scottish Government's 'A Connected Scotland; Strategy for tackling social isolation and loneliness and building stronger communities' 2018.

[76][77] In June 2019 the project received a 'Special Commendation' in the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) Charity of the Year awards in the 'Celebrating Communities' category.