Community Councils' COVID-19 Responses

The Covid-19 pandemic affected how community councils operated but they still carried out great work helping their communities at a difficult time. We heard some great responses from community councils across Scotland and this section of the website aims to highlight lots of positive examples of the work community councils did to support the Covid-19 response.

How Gorgie Dalry Community Council has responded to Covid-19 (Edinburgh)

The communities of Gorgie and Dalry in Edinburgh are represented by Gorgie Dalry Community Council (GDCC). GDCC Communication Officer Laura Wise, and GDCC Engagement Officer Mathew Reilly have written about how their CC has worked to tackle some of the challenges raised by Covid-19 in their communities.

Benholm and Johnshaven Community Larder (Aberdeenshire)

Benholm and Johnshaven Community Council opened a Community Larder at Johnshaven Village Hall to support people in their community affected physically, financially or emotionally by Covid-19.

Community Response (Clackmannanshire)

Tillicoultry, Coalsnaughton and Devonside Community Council (TCD CC) reached out to their community to seek support to meet the challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic.

How a Community Council in Shetland is supporting their community during Covid-19

A Community Council in Shetland is able to provide funding to groups and charities supporting people in its community through the Covid-19 pandemic thanks to Scottish Government’s Supporting Communities fund.

Crail Community Council’s Covid-19 Response (Fife)

From the beginning of lockdown The Royal Burgh of Crail and District Community Council recruited volunteers to make deliveries from local shops and also implemented a dedicated phone number that people can call or text for information and also to volunteer assistance.

Dundee Thegither

Dundee City Centre & Harbour Community Council has worked closely with Dundee Thegither, a small effective group of volunteers providing food, information and a listening ear to those in need during the Covid-19 crisis.

Food Bags Deliveries (Clackmannanshire)

Menstrie Community Council have been organising food bags and delivering them to those most in need in their communities.

Coronavirus Dollar Support Service (Clackmannanshire)

Along with the Development Trust and the Dollar volunteer driver service, Dollar Community Council have formed into a well organised support group for those self-isolating.

Cromar Community Help (Aberdeenshire)

Cromar Community Council working with the charity Cromar Future Group has developed a customised website to provide local information and updates from Aberdeenshire Council and the UK and Scottish Governments.

Kindness Packs in the Raploch (Stirling)

Raploch Community Council in Stirling have been working closely with local partners to respond to community needs in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.

PH8 Business Group – Dunkeld and Birnam CC (Perth and Kinross)

Dunkeld & Birnam responded to the Covid-19 crisis by setting up a volunteer group, using the PH8 postcode prefix to set its boundaries and to give it a clear brand.

Joint Resilience Programme for Two Community Councils (Aberdeen)

Two Community Councils in Aberdeen - Cults, Bieldside and Milltimber Community Council and Culter Community Council - rallied together and put in place a joint Covid-19 resilience programme.

Community Council Data Mapping for Resilience and Emergencies

Over the course of the Covid crisis several community councils have shown how data and mapping capability can be used to great effect to help engage and support local citizens. Gavinton, Fogo and Polwarth Community Council (GFPCC) is one such council, developing an online Covid response map to help volunteers coordinate activities effectively.