Established in 1975, COSLA is the voice of Local Government in Scotland. We provide political leadership on national issues, and work with councils to improve local services and strengthen local democracy as a legitimate, respected sphere of government in Scotland.

Millions of people rely on the services that Local Government in Scotland delivers every day. Collectively, councils spend almost £19 billion a year on local services and employ over 240,000 people – nearly 10% of all employment in Scotland.

Follow the links below to find out more about COSLA.

Learn about COSLA

Read our 5-Year plan for Local Government

Meet our policy teams

Our job is to stand up for Local Government and represent it effectively. We are a councillor-led, cross party organisation, representing all 32 Local Authorities in Scotland. We work on behalf of our members to focus on their priorities, challenges and opportunities

Read Budget SOS: Save Our Services - our call for urgent action on financial challenges facing Councils

Meet our Presidential Team

Learn about how COSLA works

When it comes to your next conference, two considerations stand above any other: what is said and where it’s said. We like to think we have the where covered.

Situated in the heart of Edinburgh, right beside Haymarket railway station, COSLA’s Conference Centre is a modern, spacious venue with a wealth of flexible rooms and the latest audio-visual technology. We can tailor each space to your own specific requirements, whether that’s a meeting for ten or a conference for 200.

Our experienced team will be on hand at every stage of the event, from initial planning to the day itself, offering timely help and advice to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Download the COSLA Conference Centre brochure (PDF)]

Book your event

On 5 February 2020, the Care Review published seven reports, with The Promise narrating a vision for Scotland.  The Promise is responsible for driving the work of change drawn from the findings of the Independent Care Review. The Promise and the six other published reports can be viewed here.

COSLA and its 32 Member Councils have all pledged to #KeepThePromise by 2030.  Local and national policy and practice change is underway and this page will be regularly updated to feature the ongoing work and the impact this is having on our children, young people, families and communities.

Learn about work Councils are doing to #KeepThePromise.