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25th Jan 2023
It’s fifty years since the first cohort of community councillors were elected to ‘fill the gap’ that had been created when the previous most local tier of governance – that eclectic mix of county, burgh and town councils – were swept away in the interests of (presumably) efficiency. It would be fascinating to compare the hopes and aspirations of those early pioneers with the experience of today’s community councillors (See piece below). That ‘gap’ became a yawning chasm twenty years later when local councils were once again restructured, establishing the least ‘local’ system of local government of any in the developed world. It’s worth noting just how comfortable our politicians, both local and national, seem to be with this remarkable anomaly. That community councils have been virtually untouched (some might say ignored) for half a century tells its own story. A community councillor myself, I’m all too aware of how we are perceived – perfectly illustrated by this recent evidence session at Scottish Parliament (starts at 11:30:25). Fifteen years ago, the launch of this Plan heralded an era of community empowerment and since then, there’s been some significant progress. None of which however, should be mistaken for that missing tier of democracy.
In the most recent briefing…
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On the ground
Read moreWhen Senscot supported the formation of a new network of community organisations who were running tourism businesses, it seemed such an obvious thing that one wondered why it hadn’t happened before. Countless communities, particularly rural ones, depend on the spending power of visitors even though many don’t necessarily identify as being part of the tourism industry. Now formally constituted, SCOTO is on a mission to drive forward the community tourism message and make it the conscious choice for visitors. An extensive roadshow of events the length and breadth of the country kicks off this week. Get yourself along.
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On the ground
Read moreWhile the idea of raising capital through a community share issue is relatively commonplace nowadays thanks to the efforts of Community Shares Scotland, another investment mechanism that is not so well known but potentially with even more impact is the Community Bond Offer. The first to be launched by CSS could hardly be more ambitious – a new visitor attraction and education hub themed on flight and space exploration right in the heart of Scotland – Balado Bridge, near Kinross. Aero Space Kinross – another example of a community led visitor attraction (take note SCOTO) about to take off.
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On the ground
Read moreWith respect to the rural housing crisis, if necessity is the mother of invention, the only inventiveness at the moment seems to be coming from communities – the latest example from within the community woodlands movement. An idea more commonly found elsewhere than in Scotland, but one that has nonetheless long been championed by a small but committed group of enthusiasts – woodland crofts. A form of human-scale forestry, the concept melds crofting legislation with forestry regulation and aims to deliver the multiple benefits of affordable housing, sustainable livelihoods and good stewardship of the land. Glengarry Community Woodlands is leading the way.
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Policy talk
Read moreIf community councils are the most local expression of local democracy, then Falkirk should be worried. From a meeting I attended earlier this month, it was clear that the vast majority of community councils in Falkirk had had enough of being routinely ignored and excluded from decision making in the town. Resignations and a reluctance to stand for re-election has left the town with less than a quarter of its community councils still standing. Falkirk Council leader, Cllr Meiklejohn, thinks further work may be needed to understand why this has happened. Is she kidding?
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Policy talk
Read moreHistorically, most community workers wanting a professional qualification and some theory to inform how they went about their work would typically seek a youth and community education diploma or degree. But with the demise of Community Learning Development (CLD) nationally, it’s now much less clear what training is best suited to the needs of a sector that itself is evolving in all sorts of new directions. There are however some foundational skills and competencies that will always be required. For those already supporting community enterprise or cooperative activity, Stir To Action has an interesting offer.
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Policy talk
Read moreNot only do spiralling food prices mean people are buying less in quantity but also, inevitably, less in quality too – with all the implications for our health and wellbeing. Taking bread as a marker of this trend, the option to buy cheap, highly processed, white sliced loaves as the easiest way to offset hunger pangs is an obvious and understandable temptation. But very much under the radar, the emergence of a network of food hubs supporting community growing and bread-making suggests that an alternative food system could be available for everyone. The Real Bread Festival next month should offer some pointers.
Featured anchor organisation:
Lochcarron Community Development Company (LCDC)
LCDC was formed in 2009 in order to revitalise the Lochcarron community to ensure the long term economic, social, cultural and environmental sustainability of the Lochcarron community. They acquired and revitalised the 96 hectare Kirkton Wood that lies behind the west coast Highland village to create a thriving community woodland, complete with small business units, a wood-fuel business and a housing plot which is helping to meet local affordable housing demand. LCDC hasLochcarron Community Development Company (LCDC) also established a stunning and unique treehouse nestled in the treetops above a tranquil river. It is the perfect small venue and used…
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