Community Councils are set up under the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973. Although they are statutory bodies they have no statutory powers, except that local government must consult them on all planning matters. Hopefully this will change in the near future if the Scottish Parliament can be persuaded to bring decision-making in local affairs closer to the people.
Community Councils are non-political, non-religious and non-sectarian. All members are volunteers and are not paid, except for things like postage and bus fares.
Portobello Community Council was formed in 1982 and is entitled to fifteen elected members and fifteen members from local interest groups, who can nominate one of their number to represent them. Members serve for three years.
The Community Council works closely with other groups such as Portobello Amenity Society and Portobello History Society and has formed several sub committees to take forward various ideas and suggestions from Community Council members and members of the public. These include Joppa Tennis Club, a group looking at traffic issues in Portobello, and a group looking at the use of the Town Hall. Portobello Community Council is also represented on the Portobello and Craigmillar Neighbourhood Partnership and on the Edinburgh Association of Community Councils.
In recent years the Community Council has organised hustings at election times, provided information boards on the Promenade, erected building plaques on various historic buildings in Portobello or on buildings where famous people lived and established the Harry Lauder Memorial Garden, along with many other projects to benefit the local community. We helped to design the Council’s navigation sign, sited opposite the Town Hall, in 2010, and maps describing a stroll round Portobello will be installed in the three community notice boards in 2011.
Our efforts, and the strength of the community as a whole, were recognised in our award of the prestigious Calor Gas Urban Community of the Year in 1999. We were also commended in three categories in 2001.
Chairman: John Stewart.Email John Stewart
