Dear neighbours,
Gorgie Dalry Community Council is at risk of dissolving unless we can attract renewed interest and support from people within our community. We are looking for local residents who care about the area and want to help shape its future.
There are many ways to get involved. You can become a full member of the Community Council, help with a specific project, or simply contribute your ideas and support when you can. Every contribution matters.
You do not need previous experience or specialist knowledge to take part. Community Councils work best when people from different backgrounds bring their ideas, perspectives, and enthusiasm together to improve life for local residents, and training and support are available through Edinburgh Council for anyone taking on a role.
While there are formal roles such as Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, Planning Officer, and Communications Officer, nobody is expected to work alone. The council’s strength comes from members supporting one another and working together as a team.
Our next meeting will be on Monday 8th June, and we would strongly encourage anyone interested to come along and get involved.
This is an opportunity to make a real difference in Gorgie and Dalry — whether that means improving local spaces, representing community concerns, supporting local events, or helping residents have a stronger voice in local decision-making.
If you are interested in getting involved, or would simply like to find out more, please get in touch at gorgiedalrycommunitycouncil@gmail.com.
What is a Community Council?
A Community Council is a voluntary organisation set up by statute by the Local Authority and run by local residents to act on behalf of its area. As the most local tier of elected representation, Community Councils play an important role in local democracy.
Community Councils are comprised of people who care about their community and want to make it a better place to live.
As well as representing the community to the local authority, Community Councils facilitate a wide range of activities which promote the well-being of their communities. They bring local people together to help make things happen, and many Community Councils protect and promote the identity of their community. They advise, petition, influence and advocate numerous causes and cases of concern on behalf of local communities. Here are some examples of their work from across the country:
- Carry out projects to enhance their community for all types of citizens – elderly, single mothers, minority groups, youths etc.
- Issue community newsletters
- Conduct local surveys
- Campaign on local issues
- Organise community events (such as local galas)
Community Councils are the strongest means of becoming involved with your local area. It will give you a good understand of the workings of local government and what is going on locally and nationally. All local authorities in Scotland encourage citizens to become a member of their Community Council.
More information can be found here.
Specific Roles we need volunteers for
| Role | Main Purpose | Typical Responsibilities |
| Chair | Leads the community council and ensures it operates effectively | Chairs meetings, sets agendas with the Secretary, represents the council publicly, liaises with local authorities and councillors, ensures decisions are carried out, helps resolve disputes |
| Vice-Chair | Supports the Chair and steps in when needed | Deputises for the Chair, assists with projects and meetings, may oversee specific initiatives or working groups |
| Community Engagement Officer | Builds relationships with local residents and groups | Organises consultations, gathers community feedback, attends local events, encourages participation, supports inclusive engagement across different groups |
| Secretary | Handles administration and keeps official records | Prepares agendas, takes meeting minutes, manages correspondence, keeps records and documentation, ensures notices and paperwork are circulated on time |
| Communications Officer | Manages public information and communications | Maintains website and social media, prepares newsletters and notices, promotes meetings/events, handles public enquiries and media communications |
| Planning Officer | Leads on local planning and development matters | Reviews planning applications, monitors local developments, prepares responses to consultations, advises the council on planning issues, liaises with planning authorities |
| Treasurer | Oversees the council’s finances | Manages bank accounts and budgets, keeps financial records, prepares reports, handles grant applications and claims, ensures proper financial procedures are followed |
Gorgie Dalry Community Council 