In 2025, Glasgow marked its 850th birthday by having a range of community, cultural and historical events which celebrated Glasgow’s past, present and future. It provided an opportunity for people to tell their stories, about belonging and contributing to the city. It was also 50 years since Community Councils were established in the city.

On 16th September 2025, the Lord Provost of Glasgow hosted a Civic Function in the City Chambers to recognise and reward the achievements of Community Councils over the last 50 years. The event was the culmination of the hard work of an advisory group made up of chairs of Community Councils from across the city. Their aim was to take the opportunity to have a community, cultural or historical event, or initiatives, which recognises, celebrates and raises awareness of Community Councils and Community Councillor’s role and contribution to the city, over the last 50 years.

Over 150 Community Councillors attending were greeted by the Lord Provost’s Civic Welcome highlighting how the first Community Councils, the most local tier of elected representation and are involved in local democracy and taking action on behalf of their area, were established in 1975. Their role and responsibilities as voluntary organisations, supported by legislation, that play a vital role in being the voice of communities across the city, representing the views of the communities to the Council and other public agencies.

There was thanks for Community Councillors using their vast knowledge, skills and experience of their communities to help make them a better place to live, work, learn and volunteer. It was noted how they take on additional activities in support of the Community Council, such as being members of the Community Planning Partnership’s Area Partnerships, and its overarching aim to tackle Family Poverty. Not to forget, Community Councillors’ ongoing commitment to frequent Community Council, and other meetings, working together with public agencies and other community organisations to achieve the aims and objectives of the Community Council.

After the ‘Vote of Thanks’ from the Advisory Group, there was a presentation highlighting a Digital Photography Project of the variety of community projects Community Councils undertake which help improve the lives of local people and their communities.

In addition to the video below we have also included some case studies from Glasgow's Community Councils which will hopefully provide a flavour of the activities they are involved in:

• Anderston Community Council - Street Art Improvements
• Blairdardie & Old Drumchapel Community Council - Neighbourhood Infrastructure Improvement Fund
• Dowanhill, Hyndland and Kelvinside Community Council - Support for Kibble Palace and Botanic Gardens
• Ibrox and Cessnock Community Council - Giving the Community a Voice