An important theme for the Jimmy Reid Foundation in recent years has been community. There are many types of communities, and all are important. However, there is a risk that we forget the importance of place. A community of people who are bound together because they reside, work, visit, or otherwise spend a continuous portion of their time in the same place. This paper examines the current state of communities of place in Scotland, why they matter, and what is needed to strengthen them.
We recommend a new approach that recognises the value of communities of place and the practical measures needed to rebuild them. It recognises the value of social infrastructure and public services, devolving power, and building the local economy through Community Wealth Building. We also need to better understand the practical measures that help build stronger communities, including neighbourhood design, high-quality public spaces, local events, and improved information sharing. Most importantly, we need to provide residents with greater opportunities to influence decisions affecting their neighbourhoods and to encourage engagement.