Chief Executive's Update: Issue 01/2026

Dear all,  

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy new year. I hope you all had a lovely and peaceful time with your family and friends over the festive period. 

For those working in our frontline teams, who continued to deliver our essential services, I want to say thank you for all your hard work during this period – it is, as always, greatly appreciated. 

2026 is already shaping up to be a busy one. As well as our ongoing projects and normal operational duties we have a by-election on Thursday 29 January, our budget will be agreed in March, and the Scottish Parliamentary elections are being held in May.  

Budget proposals will be a focus for all services over the next month, and I’d like to thank everyone in advance for what may be challenging conversations and decisions.  

There is also a lot of exciting work continuing this year including the refurbishment of Milngavie Primary School, the construction of the new Balmuildy Primary School, the upgrade to Lennoxtown Main Street and a host of fun events at Mugdock Park. 

Provost Gillian Renwick would like to thank everyone who donated to her annual Foodbank appeal in the run up to Christmas. Bins were located in the Marina HQ, Southbank House, Broomhill Depot, the Community Hubs and Leisure Centres with more than 30 bags being dropped off at Kirkintilloch Foodbank to provide local people and families with essential items over the holidays and beyond. 

Council in December approved the latest business case for our City Deal projects in Bishopbriggs. Work will now continue to deliver the £46.77 million programme consisting of: 

• The Westerhill Development Road (previously referred to as Phase 5 of the Bishopbriggs Relief Road) – 2km of new/upgraded carriageway and associated works, between the existing Westerhill Road and the A803 Kirkintilloch Road
• A new Civic Space in Bishopbriggs town centre – creating a flexible, appealing focal point for people of all ages to spend time, enjoy events, catch up and relax. 

Read more on the City Deal project.

As part of the programme which we detailed in Employee News 26, all members of the workforce – including EDLC and HSCP - are invited to complete a confidential survey by Close the Gap, which has developed the Equally Safe at Work programme to support employers in addressing women’s inequality at work. 

The survey aims to capture the experiences of Council employees. Close the Gap will use the data to build a picture of current practices and to gain an understanding of the priorities of our workforce. The survey will remain open for responses until Friday 23 January 2026. 

Complete the Close the Gap Equally Safe at Work Employee survey. 

As usual, our Monthly Wellbeing Focus is updated each month with key campaigns and details of support all employees can access.  

Congratulations to everyone at Woodland View School which was named as School of the Year at the Scottish Sports Awards last month (Dec). The prestigious award from SportScotland recognises the efforts of everyone at the school, Active Schools staff and partners to provide the children and young people with opportunities to get involved in sport. Watch this inspirational video to see why they were such worthy winners. 

Thanks, 

Ann