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 46 individual Community Councils in Edinburgh. A new Scheme for Community Councils was approved on 26 September 2024 and is effective from 28 March 2025. The new Scheme has provision for 47 individual Community Councils.
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 Council resources
Find out more about Community Councils in Edinburgh including how to contact your Community Council directly then please use the following resources