COSLA, the Scottish Local Government body - which was founded in 1975, Celebrated its 50th year as the voice of Local Government in Scotland with Senior Politicians and invited guests from across the public sector and third sector at the Scottish Parliament last week

Sponsored by Ariane Burgess MSP, the reception welcomed around 200 guests to The Scottish Parliament’s Garden Lobby on Thursday 8th May to celebrate COSLA’s 50th year.

Guests received a warm welcome with traditional Scottish music by our band for the evening, Falasgair. This was followed by a singing set by the sensational choir from local St Mary’s Primary School, who led the room in a round of ‘Happy Birthday’ while COSLA’s Presidential team cut a 50th birthday cake.

Ariane Burgess MSP opened proceedings with a welcome address. In her speech Ms Burgess paid tribute to the vital role, value and hard work that COSLA and Local Government bring to our democracy every day.

Ms Burgess welcomed representatives form COSLA, Elected Members, Council Officers, and distinguished guests and colleagues from across Government, the public and third sectors. She noted that the occasion served as a reminder that COSLA was setting the tone for cooperative, place-based leadership before devolution took place. Collaboration and leadership were key themes of Ms Burgess’ address, highlighting that Councils led a response to the pandemic that was fast, flexible, and rooted in local knowledge, and paid tribute to the collective leadership Councils continue to show in this area.

“Congratulations to COSLA for 50 years of unwavering commitment local government, for being a powerful voice for Scotland’s communities, and for your continued work in shaping a more democratic, inclusive, resilient future. Let’s continue to work together; The Scottish Parliament, National and Local Government; Officers, Councillors, Communities, to create the conditions where Local Democracy can truly thrive.” – Ariane Burgess MSP

Next COSLA President, Councillor Shona Morrison, delivered an inspiring speech emphasising some upcoming projects in the works. The President announced that Professor James Mitchell of The University of Edinburgh has written a history of COSLA which will detail some of the key challenges, changes and successes of the organisation and the wider local government family since COSLA was founded in 1975. The document will be submitted to the National Archives as an important record of the work COSLA has done and continues to do on behalf of our member councils.

In her speech Cllr Morrison highlighted the upcoming Manifesto for Local Government, which will be published later in the year offering a bold and ambitious vision of how Scottish Local Government can and will deliver with and for our communities.

Councillor Morrison added:

“Standing here tonight in parliament, I recognise that our spheres of democracy must trust and respect each other so that we can collectively deliver for our communities. Building trust in our democracy is rooted in not only how we treat each other, but in how we work positively as leaders in our communities.  As COSLA turns 50 we remain as committed as ever to working together to ensure everyone lives well locally.” - Councillor Shona Morrison

We were delighted to welcome our keynote speaker, Sir Neil McIntosh, who led the event with a speech noting some of the key moments of the last 50 years in local government, including the Wheatly Commission; the recommendations of which led to the creation of COSLA as a united Local Government body for Scotland. Sir Neil McIntosh was clear that funding for Local Authorities continues to be a significant issue and called for there to be a joined-up approach to how we fund public services in Scotland in order to best meet the needs of our communities; and a relationship based on parity of esteem and mutual respect is required between the different rungs of Government to do this.

Sir McIntosh noted another key milestone in COSLA’s more recent history – the Verity House Agreement between Local Government and National Government, which set out shared priorities and a commitment from both parties on continued meaningful engagement, a principle which remains in place today with many positive opportunities for constructive working on Scotland’s key political issues being undertaken with COSLA and Scottish Government Ministers, MSPs and Officers. Sir McIntosh closed by quoting Donald Dewar on the opening of the Scottish Parliament in 1999, who said:

“We are fallible, we will make mistakes, but we will never lose sight of what brought us here, the striving to do right by the people of Scotland – to respect their priorities, to better their lot and to contribute to the common wheel.”

“Community based, directly accountable, public and personal services are a fundamental part of our democracy, which should never be taken for granted.” – Sir Neil McIntosh.

Shona Robison MSP, the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government, was the final guest speaker for the evening. In her speech, the Cabinet Secretary celebrated COSLA's 50-year journey, highlighting its key role in the campaign for a Scottish Parliament, as well as more recent achievements like support for communities during the Covid-19 pandemic, and expansion of Early Learning and Childcare. Ms Robison emphasised the importance of the 2023 Verity House Agreement in renewing collaboration between Scottish Local and National Government, leading to positive progress on initiatives like the Whole Family Approach, the Scottish Climate Intelligence Service, foster and kinship care allowances, and revenue-raising powers for councils including the Visitor Levy.

The Cabinet Secretary made clear the importance of reform and innovation in delivering sustainable public services and expressed gratitude for COSLA’s ongoing efforts.

“I value the strong relationship I have with both Shona and Steven who represent COSLA and Leaders. Our regular meetings and communication are crucial to strengthening our partnership working, which is essential to delivering our shared priorities for the people of Scotland.  We share a common goal to improve the lives of the people of Scotland. Indeed, this shared ambition and the trust and respect that we have developed enables us to reach resolution and ensure progress on delivery is made.” – Shona Robison MSP.

COSLA’s Vice President, Councillor Steven Heddle brought proceedings to a close with a short speech warmly thanking our speakers and guests for joining us to celebrate 50 years – no small milestone for any organisation.

Councillor Heddle invited guests to recognise the importance of our shared role as a united local government voice in Scotland. There is a huge amount of passion and dedication in Scotland’s councils as they work hard every day for our communities. Councillor Heddle paid tribute to councils for this and reaffirmed COSLA’s commitment to being a strong, representative voice for them.

Councillor Heddle also took the opportunity to pay heartfelt tribute to COSLA’s Head of Communications, David Kennedy, who sadly passed away in March of this year, and is dearly missed not only by the COSLA team but by many in the wider Local Government family. David was not only a dear friend to many, but also a true advocate for the power of Local Government and for the people who live and work in our communities.

“With the passion and dedication there is for local government within COSLA, I know that we will continue to be the strong representative voice not only here in Scotland, but across the United Kingdom and beyond, for a strong vibrant local democracy that delivers every day for the communities we all live in and are a part of.” – Councillor Steven Heddle

Finally, closing the evening, Councillor Heddle asked guests to gather for a final photo and cake-cutting!