The Autonomous Centre of Edinburgh

The Autonomous Centre of Edinburgh (ACE) exists to support and encourage people to take more control of their lives. We believe in people co-operating as equals to create a shared world free from exploitation. We work together in the spirit of mutual aid.

ACE is a self-managed social resource centre. We open ACE for use by groups or individuals who are trying to make a better society and improve their lives. If you have a project you want to get off the ground – but are struggling for lack of resources – ACE is the place for you.

Please check out our history of activism: ‘The History of ACE and the Edinburgh Unemployed Workers Centre‘

The Autonomous Centre of Edinburgh (ACE) is a self-managed, independent social centre run entirely by the people and the groups involved. It works on a non-hierarchical basis: no bosses, no managers and all decisions are made collectively centred on its monthly assembly.

Through ACE we are trying to create a culture of resistance to the advances of neoliberal capitalism, creating structures that allow us to reorganise aspects of our lives and needs. We do not seek to represent people, rather we stand by those who, themselves, choose to struggle.

We promote solidarity as our central principle in the fight against all forms of oppression. Overthrowing the oppression of women and restrictive gender roles, ending racism and the plunder of the global south, living in ecological harmony with the earth and other species, and the revolutionary reclaiming of resources to meet human need, are all struggles ACE supports.

We believe that the many struggles for justice need to draw together to create one fight against the whole system of exploitation. Fundamental, revolutionary change is needed. Our vision is a world where all co-operate as equals.

ACE is open every Tuesday from 12 to 3 pm for the Edinburgh Claimants / Edinburgh Coalition Against Povertydrop-in advice and solidarity session on debt, dole, work, council and housing hassles. Drop by when we’re open, or come along and meet us at one of our events. We’re also open on the last Thursday of the month 6 to 8 pm but often hold various events outside these hours, many of which are open to the public.

We have an Info Shop selling a range of radical literature and our Chiapas solidarity goods are available to purchase. Alongside lending a book or so from the Scottish Radical Library there are many other resources available to access here at ACE. As well as being child friendly and wheelchair accessible, we abide by a ‘Safer Spaces’ policy.