Community Council

Wed, Apr 5th 2023 at 12:50 pm - 2:00 pm

Penelope Fraser is Chair of the Community Council

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Penelope Fraser, Chair of the Royal Burgh of St Andrews Community Council spoke to the club on the history and role of the Community Council (CC). St Andrews was created a Royal Burgh by King David in 1140. John Gilchrist was the last official Town Provost. There are 107 community councils in Fife, of which 96 are active. They form the lowest tier of government organisation. All members of the CC are volunteers without support staff, “so we do our own thing” although committed to both legislation and a code of practice. Fife Council website has the answers to whatever questions anyone might ask about community councils, but it is long-winded and difficult to navigate. Councillors are elected by the CC every 4 years, the AGM being that May. CC meetings are all open to the general public; Penelope pleaded for more to attend……. The CC comprises a maximum number of 20, all of whom must be over 16 years of age and resident in St Andrews. The CC is involved in many projects, many of them “behind the scenes”. One example is the setting up of the Green Belt around the town; another is the Links Community Trust; support for local organisations, such as Standen etc.. Penelope admitted that the CC is not very good at broadcasting what it does! Presently the CC is hoping to regain control of the town’s historic artefacts that are held in Glenrothes, to put them on display. Preservation and conservation of the town are also on the agenda. Contrary to its reputation the St Andrews CC objects to only a minority of the applications it receives – it’s not full of “moaners”, as claimed.

Many lively questions followed the main presentation.