In January 2015, a group of Colinton residents gathered in Dreghorn Loan Hall for the first meeting of the Colinton Community Council. Office bearers were elected, and the council aimed to address the needs of local residents and work collaboratively with the City of Edinburgh Council.
Previously, various active local organisations met the community's needs, but there was limited direct access to public decision-making processes at the City Chambers. In 2015, the council was involved in addressing the local issue of opening a new Co-op in a conservation village. The council helped balance environmental concerns with the need for a comprehensive local store to support the business life of the Village and reduce car travel.
Since then, the council has accomplished several initiatives: some small but effective such as an eight-second right-turn time at the main traffic lights, and others more significant like establishing a regular Bonaly bus service. Public toilets were also saved from closure through collective effort.
Monthly meetings open to the public serve as the primary mechanism for engagement. The three ward councillors regularly attend these meetings, and MSPs occasionally participate. Presentations from the Police and senior council officers are also featured; a presentation on potholes last year saw high attendance. To maximize accessibility, meetings alternate between face-to-face sessions at the Bowling Club and Zoom meetings.
With the Community Council Elections this month, nominations are due by 27th February. Both co-chairs will be stepping down, allowing for new ideas and perspectives to benefit the Colinton community in 2025. It is essential to make local views count.
David Houston, Co-Chair (edited from C&B News)