Community Councils overview
Community Councils in Edinburgh
- are voluntary organisations who were first established in Scotland following the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973
- are run by local residents who care about their community and are elected to act on behalf of their local area
- play an important role in grass roots local democracy.
As well as representing the community to the City of Edinburgh Council, Community Councils undertake a wide range of activities and events which enhance the well-being of the areas they represent.
They bring local residents and interest groups together to help make things happen, and many Community Councils promote the individual identities of their community. They advise, petition, influence and advocate numerous causes and cases of concern on behalf of local communities such as
- issue community newsletters and bulletins
- conduct local surveys to represent and gain the views of residents and groups
- carry out projects to promote their community
- campaign on local issues
- organise community events such as local galas and festive activities.
All local authorities in Scotland are required by statute to have a scheme for Community Councils.
Scheme for Community Councils
The Scheme for Community Councils is a key document which
- establishes the governance framework under which all Community Councils in Edinburgh must comply with
- forms the constitution of all Community Councils in Edinburgh.
The current Scheme for Community Councils outlines provision for 47 individual Community Councils in Edinburgh. The Scheme for Community Councils was approved on 26 September 2024 and was effective from 28 March 2025.
Each Community Council represents their communities in geographical area’s outlined by specific Community Council boundaries. The current boundaries for Community Councils in Edinburgh are available via the map of Community Councils.
Both the Scheme for Community Councils and supporting guidance notes contains key governance requirements for Community Councils including
- the role and responsibilities of Community Councils
- the membership of Community Councils
- equality and diversity requirements for Community Councils
- disqualification of Community Council membership
- Community Council meetings
- Community Councils liaison with the City of Edinburgh Council including reporting responsibilities
- resourcing Community Councils
- Community Councillor Code of Conduct
- procedures for the appointment of Nominated Members of Local Interest groups
- Community Council Model Standing Orders.
Community Empowerment and Engagement
The Community Empowerment and Engagement team has put together a community engagement toolkit, to support Community Councils in building their confidence and skills in carrying out community engagement. The toolkit covers a variety of topics, including
- an introduction to engagement and the national standards
- planning your engagement
- engagement methods
- evaluation and impact
- expressing your views.
If you have further questions about community engagement, please get in touch with us
communityengagement@edinburgh.gov.uk.
Community Council scheme and boundary review
A statutory review of the Scheme for Community Councils and their boundaries concluded on 21 August 2024. Following the conclusion of phase 3 of the statutory consultation of the Scheme for Community Councils and their boundaries the final Scheme and Boundary Review report was considered and approved at Council on 26 September 2024 a report was also considered and approved on 7 November 2024. The Scheme for Community Councils and boundaries became effective on 28 March 2025.
Community Council further information
Find out more about Community Councils in Edinburgh including how to contact your Community Council directly: