Introduction
Dear all,
I hope everyone is well. January was another busy month with teams across the Council continuing to deliver our day-to-day services whilst progressing a range of projects across the area.
I want to thank everyone who played a part in delivering the by-election for Ward 3 – Bearsden South on Thursday 29 January. Multiple teams worked together to make sure it went smoothly - from the run up to the event, to the polling stations and the count in the evening. Ben Langmead of the Liberal Democrats was elected Councillor with the full breakdown of results available on our by-election webpage. Our Democratic Services team and others will now start planning for the Scottish Parliamentary elections in May.
As mentioned last month, budget proposals will be a real focus for all services this month with our Council Budget meeting taking place in March. With local government finances remaining a challenge our priority is to maintain key services while investing in the area.
January also saw periods of cold and windy weather and once again I would like to thank those teams who continued to ensure our essential services were available for residents and those who worked hard to clear up any of the impact. This includes our Gritting team who were out gritting in difficult conditions to ensure that our roads and pavements were safe.
Christmas Project Appeal
A big thank you to everyone who supported the annual Christmas project this year. The project is led by Social Work and supported by Everyday Difference, a local charity in East Dunbartonshire. Teams across the authority including Trade Unions, numerous services, local businesses and community groups all worked together in partnership to provide support to vulnerable children, young people and families helping them to have a special Christmas time.
We would also like to give a special thank you to the team and youngsters at Positive Achievements for volunteering as part of their Duke of Edinburgh award.
Moving forward we are planning on building our relationship with Everyday difference to deliver activities through the year. None of this would happen without the great support from the Council’s workforce and residents of East Dunbartonshire.
2026 Garden waste permits
Garden waste permits for the 2026 season are now available. The annual permit costs £52 per green bin and provides 19 fortnightly collections from March to November. A valid garden waste permit must be clearly displayed on the green bin for it to be emptied. Residents can apply for their permit via the Council’s website.
A big thank you to everyone involved in ensuring the permits were available earlier than ever this year.
Invigilators wanted
We are looking for invigilators for the 2026 exams being held in our secondary schools. If you are interested please contact your local school - you can find contact details on our Secondary Schools webpage.
East Dunbartonshire on the big screen
Look out for East Dunbartonshire at the BAFTA Film Awards. The critically acclaimed 'I Swear' was partly filmed in East Dunbartonshire in 2024. Milngavie Town Hall plays a prominent supporting role, while filming also took place at the Station Road football pitch, Lennoxtown, and in Bishopbriggs. 'I Swear' tells the true story of John Davidson, a teenager living with Tourette's syndrome. It has received six BAFTA nods - including Outstanding British Film, Original Screenplay, Leading Actor for Robert Aramayo and Supporting Actor for Peter Mullan. Also….keep your eyes peeled for BBC/HBO TV show 'Half Man', written by and starring Richard Gadd, which was also filmed locally last year and is due to be broadcast in 2026.
Mugdock Park events
Find out all about the range of fun events at Mugdock Park by visiting the Park’s Eventbrite. With events such as Stargazing, Junior Rangers camp and wood whittling there is something on offer for all ages and interests.
Monthly Wellbeing Focus
As usual, our Monthly Wellbeing Focus is updated each month with key campaigns and details of support all employees can access.
And Finally….
What a result – the Council and EDLC have netted funding to improve playing surfaces at Huntershill Sports Hub in Bishopbriggs. The six-figure boost has been secured through the UK-wide Multi-Sport Grassroots Facilities Programme via the Scottish Football Association. It ties in with the Council's Capital Programme, which includes £1.16 million to upgrade sports pitches at Merkland Recreation Centre in Kirkintilloch and Huntershill, as well as £1 million to refurbish sports pavilions at Merkland, and Thorn Park and Colquhoun Park in Bearsden. Well done to everyone involved in securing the funding. Work is due to begin soon.
Thanks,
Ann
