The council’s Housing and Technical Resources and the local Gypsy/Traveller community won this year’s COSLA Excellence Award for ‘Excellent People, Excellent Outcomes’ for their hard work and successes, particularly during the pandemic.

Despite the challenges presented by the onset of Covid-19, officers within Housing and Technical Resources quickly recognised the additional issues it could cause to those within the Gypsy/Traveller community and offered additional support and assistance to site residents, whilst taking account of Scottish Government and COSLA guidance.

As the pandemic continued, Housing and Technical Resources and local site residents forged strong relationships which enabled key services to continue to be delivered as well as a range of improvement projects, on both council Gypsy/Traveller sites, to progress through co-produced Site Masterplans, while keeping everyone safe.

To date, these improvements have included a new community facility, upgraded heating & amenity units, the installation of Wi-Fi, the expansion of pitch sizes and increased parking for residents and visitors. Future plans, informed by the residents’ needs and aspirations, include play areas, landscaping and an innovative solar PV farm.

Annette Finnan, head of housing services, said: “We are fully committed to improving the lives of Gypsy/Travellers and will continue to build on the strong relationships forged between residents and officers before and during the pandemic to provide safe and attractive places for residents of the Gypsy/Traveller community to live in that are culturally appropriate and meet their current and future needs.”

One resident from Shawlands Crescent, added: “By working with the council in a team environment, our community have been fully involved in the big decisions about the site, making us feel valued. We are now seeing real improvements to the site for the families who live here and can see the council really respects our culture and traditions. This has all been possible through strong team work.  We are very proud and excited to co develop the future of our Gypsy/Traveller community together with the council.”