Approved Minutes of Meeting
West Dunbartonshire Council · 17 December 2025
Back to West Dunbartonshire Council — 17 December 2025 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL At a Hybrid Meeting of West Dunbartonshire Council held in the Civic Space, 16 Church Street, Dumbarton on Wednesday, 17 December 2025 at 4.00 p.m. Present: Provost Karen Murray Conaghan, and Councillors Jim Bollan, Ian Dickson, Diane Docherty, Fiona Hennebry, Gurpreet Singh Johal, Daniel Lennie, David McBride, Jonathan McColl, Michelle McGinty, June McKay, John Millar, Lawrence O’Neill, Lauren Oxley, Chris Pollock, Martin Rooney, William Rooney, Gordon Scanlan, Hazel Sorrell, Clare Steel* and Sophie Traynor. *Arrived later in the meeting. Attending: Peter Hessett, Chief Executive; Laurence Slavin, Chief Officer – Resources, and Section 95 Officer; Alan Douglas, Chief Officer – Regulatory and Regeneration (Legal Officer); Beth Culshaw, Chief Officer – Health & Social Care Partnership; Amanda Graham, Chief Officer – Citizen, Culture and Facilities; Gillian Hamilton, Chief Officer – Education; Gail Macfarlane, Chief Officer – Roads and Neighbourhood; Victoria Rogers, Chief Officer – People and Technology; Lauren Crooks, Strategic Communication, Culture and Performance Manager; Michelle Lynn, Asset Manager; Michael Mulgrew, Planning, Building Standards and Environmental Health Manager; Carol Alderson, Finance Manager; George Hawthorn, Manager of Democratic and Registration Services; and Carol-Ann Burns, Senior Democratic Services Officer. Also Attending: Tom Reid, External Auditor, Forvis Mazars. Apology: An apology for absence was intimated on behalf of Councillor Kevin Crawford. Provost Karen Murray Conaghan in the Chair STATEMENT BY CHAIR – AUDIO STREAMING Provost Murray Conaghan advised that the meeting was being audio streamed and broadcast live to the internet and would be available for playback.
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DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST It was noted that there were no declarations of interest in any of the items of business on the agenda. RECORDING OF VOTES The Council agreed that all votes taken during the meeting would be carried out by roll call vote to ensure an accurate record. OPEN FORUM The Council noted that no open forum questions had been submitted by members of the public. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING The Minutes of Meeting of West Dunbartonshire Council held on 29 October 2025 were submitted and approved as a correct record. Note: Councillor Steel entered the meeting during consideration of this item. MINUTES OF MEETING OF AUDIT COMMITTEE The Minutes of Meeting of the Audit Committee held on 24 September 2025 were submitted and all decisions contained therein were approved. CHIEF SOCIAL WORK OFFICER ANNUAL REPORT A report was submitted by the Head of Children’s Health and Justice Services (Chief Social Work Officer) providing the Chief Social Work Officer (CSWO) Annual Report for 2024-25 (Appendix 1 to the report) which detailed the statutory work undertaken on the Council’s behalf, including a summary of governance arrangements, service delivery, resources and workforce. After discussion and having heard the Head of Children’s Health, Care and Justice Services in further explanation and in answer to Members’ questions, the Council agreed to approve the contents of the report (contained at Appendix 1 to the report) and its submission to the Office of the Chief Social Work Advisor to the Scottish Government
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GLASGOW CITY REGION CITY DEAL – UPDATE A report was submitted by the Chief Officer – Regulatory and Regeneration providing an update on the Exxon Infrastructure Project, and matters being discussed by Glasgow City Region. After discussion and having heard the Chief Officer – Regulatory and Regeneration in further explanation and in answer to Members’ questions, the Council agreed:- (1) to note the update on the Exxon Infrastructure Project; and (2) to note the progress of the Glasgow City Region programme. FINANCIAL UPDATE A report was submitted by the Chief Officer – Resources providing an update on the financial challenges facing the Council, the estimated 2026/27 to 2030/31 revenue budget gaps and presenting the first tranche of saving options for Members’ consideration to help the Council deliver a balanced 2026/27 budget. It was noted that a revised version of the report had been issued to Members in advance of the meeting. After discussion and having heard the Chief Officer – Resources in further explanation and in answer to Members’ questions, Councillor Dickson moved:- That Council notes:- The Financial Update report presented under Item 10, which outlines the Council's estimated revenue budget gaps for 2026/27 to 2030/31, with a focus on the mid-range scenario showing a 2026/27 gap of £9.243m, rising cumulatively to £54.738m by 2030/31. The ongoing financial challenges facing the Council, including cost pressures from Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) implementation, commercial rental income reductions, unfunded pension costs, adjustments to Strathclyde Pension Fund contributions, and other emerging pressures under £0.100m. The recommendation to invest £0.168m per annum in enhanced cyber security measures to protect critical services, data, and residents from growing threats, as a prudent spend-to-save initiative that will safeguard the Council's operations and deliver long-term value. The first tranche of saving options developed by officers, comprising £0.199m (rising to £0.322m by 2027/28) in political saving options requiring member approval, and £1.371m in management adjustments that can be implemented without frontline service impacts. Council recognises the work done by officers to make services run more efficiently by bringing forward spend-to-save options. Council believes that
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strategic investments, such as those in cyber-security and service efficiencies, are essential to protect public services, reduce long-term costs, and ensure sustainable delivery for residents. However, Council has concerns that the cessation of rotation of temporary accommodation will cause undue strain for some of our tenants and residents. On the management adjustments, Council recognises that officers should look to work efficiently to protect the public purse and further understands that the single job saving is a vacant position that employees have worked around for several months. Council therefore agrees:- 1. to approve the investment of £0.168m per annum to enhance the Council's cyber security protection, as set out in paragraph 4.10 of the report, recognising this as a critical spend-to-save measure to mitigate risks and ensure continuity of essential services; 2. to note the updated estimated 2026/27 revenue budget gap of £9.243m, and the need for ongoing measures to address future projected gaps; 3. to approve the political saving options totalling £0.189m in 2026/27 (rising to £0.312m by 2027/28), excluding the £0.010m saving option from the cessation of rotation of temporary accommodation, which will not be taken at this time, subject to the option being revisited at the 2026/27 budget setting meeting; 4. to note the £1.371m of management adjustments, which will contribute to balancing the 2026/27 budget and future gaps, with no impact on frontline services and staff reductions limited to existing vacancies; and 5. to note that officers will continue developing a second tranche of saving options for consideration at the March 2026 budget-setting meeting, prioritising approaches that protect essential services and resident wellbeing. As an amendment, Councillor Bollan moved:- The Council agrees to set a needs-based budget and calls on officers to prepare a report for the budget-setting meeting in March 2026 that reflects the needs and inflation-proofed financial costs of delivering, in total, all our current services for 2026/2027. Councillor Martin Rooney then seconded Councillor Dickson’s motion, and Councillor Lennie seconded Councillor Bollan’s amendment.
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On a roll call vote being taken between the amendment (Councillor Bollan) and the motion (Councillor Dickson), 3 Members voted for the amendment, namely Councillors Bollan, Lennie and McKay and 18 Members voted for the motion, namley Provost Murray Conaghan, and Councillors Dickson, Docherty, Hennebry, Singh Johal, McBride, McColl, McGinty, Millar, O’Neill, Oxley, Pollock, Martin Rooney, William Rooney, Scanlan, Sorrell, Steel and Traynor. The motion was accordingly declared carried. OPEN SPACE GRASS CUTTING A report was submitted by the Chief Officer – Roads and Neighbourhood and the Chief Officer – Housing providing the information requested by Council at its meeting on 27 August 2025 in relation to the appropriate budgets for funding additional grass cutting, and providing assurance that the Council had appropriate asset management records to identify ownership of all material assets. Following discussion, and having heard the Chief Officer – Roads and Neighbourhood and the Chief Executive in explanation of the report and in answer to Members’ questions, the Council agreed:- (1) that the funding for the additional grass cutting undertaken in 2026/27 will be £150k allocated to General Services and continue the Housing Revenue Account pending rent consultation and views of the WTRO; and (2) that the costs incurred in 2025/26 to undertake works through overtime and retention of seasonal operatives should be charged to the Housing Revenue Account for work undertaken on Housing land and charged to General Services for work undertaken on general services land. Councillor Bollan, having failed to find a seconder for a proposed amendment, asked for his dissent to be recorded in respect of this item. The motion was accordingly declared carried. 2024/25 AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND 2024/25 ANNUAL AUDIT REPORT A report was submitted by the Chief Officer – Resources:- (a) presenting to Members the opportunity to scrutinise and approve the 2024/25 Audited Annual Accounts for the Charitable Trust Funds administered by the Council for the year ending 31 March 2025; and (b) providing an update on the accompanying 2024/25 Annual Audit Report. After discussion and having heard the Chief Officer – Resources in further explanation and in answer to Members’ questions, the Council agreed:-
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(1) to approve the information provided within the Audited Annual Accounts 2024/2025 – Appendix 1 to the report; and (2) to note the Annual Audit Report (Appendix 2 to the report). ERECTION OF 118 FLATS AND 16 HOUSES (SUBSTITUTION OF HOUSE TYPES AND AMENDMENTS TO LAYOUT) AT FORMER THOMPSONS YARD, LEVEN STREET, DUMBARTON BY TURNBERRY HOMES LTD A report was submitted by the Chief Officer – Regulatory and Regeneration seeking determination of the planning application for a national development, the application site of which sits within the Clyde Mission area as set out in National Planning Framework 4, under the terms of the approved Scheme of Delegation, and was therefore required to be determined by Full Council. After discussion and having heard the Planning, Building Standards and Environmental Health Manager in further explanation and in answer to Members’ questions, the Council agreed:- (1) to approve the application subject to the conditions set out in Section 9 of the report at Appendix 1 to the report. (2) to note that should the Council approve the application, a notification to the Scottish Government under The Town and Country Planning (Notification of Applications) (10 or more homes on non-allocated land) (Scotland) Direction 2025 will be required. This notification is distinct from a call in and is for Ministers’ awareness only. The Council will remain the determining authority. GRUGGIES BURN FLOOD ALLEVIATION SCHEME A report was submitted by the Chief Officer – Roads and Neighbourhood providing an update on the progress in delivering the Gruggies Burn Flood Alleviation Scheme, advising of the associated costs, and confirming the Scottish Government funding position. It was noted that a revised version of the report had been issued to Members in advance of the meeting. After discussion and having heard the Chief Officer – Roads and Neighbourhood in further explanation and in answer to Members’ questions, the Council agreed:- (1) to note that, following development of the detailed design, the costs of the Gruggies Burn Scheme had significantly increased since scheme conception in 2016; (2) to approve Option 1 is the full delivery of the scheme which will ensure the anticipated overall benefits for local residents are achieved, this would require a total capital investment of £8.94m from the Council, paid over a 40 year period at the cost of £0.419 per annum.
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(3) to note the funding milestone of 31 March 2026 for construction tender award; (4) to authorise the Chief Officer – Regulatory and Regeneration to conclude negotiations in relation to the finalisation and signing of the construction contract; and (5) to grant delegated authority to Chief Officer – Roads and Neighbourhood and Chief Officer – Regulatory and Regeneration, in consultation with the Procurement Manager, to award any procurement and contract awards related to Gruggies Burn Flood Alleviation Scheme using appropriate procurement routes. GENERAL SERVICES REVENUE BUDGETARY CONTROL REPORT TO 31 OCTOBER 2025 (PERIOD 7) A report was submitted by the Chief Officer – Resources advising of the 2025/26 Revenue Budget position at 31 October 2025 and the forecast position of the General Fund Reserve as at 31 March 2026. The Council agreed:- (1) to note the overall favourable variance (underspend) on the General Fund Revenue Budget of £3.055m, an improvement in forecast of £0.267m since last reported; (2) to note a projected adverse variance (overspend) on the General Services Delivery Budget of £0.435m (0.15% of total budget), an improvement in forecast of £0.267m since last reported; and (3) to note a projected use of earmarked reserves of £2.754m, offset by the release of £0.078m and the forecast earmarked balance of £12.905m. GENERAL SERVICES CAPITAL BUDGETARY CONTROL REPORT 2025/26 TO 31 OCTOBER 2025 (PERIOD 7) A report was submitted by the Chief Officer – Resources providing an update on the General Services capital financial performance to 31 October 2025. The Council agreed:- (1) to note the current position of the 2025/26 General Services capital budget; (2) to approve the revised completion dates in respect of 2 projects detailed in Appendix 2 to the report, and paragraph 4.4 of the report; (3) to note the reprofiling of 6 projects in Appendix 3 to the report of (£3.074m) over the project life;
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(4) to approve £0.170m of additional capital budget for HSCP aids and adaptations (as detailed in paragraph 4.9 of the report); and (5) to approve £0.500m of additional capital budget for Roads and Neighbourhood for Food Waste Vehicles (as detailed in paragraph 4.10 of the report). HOUSING REVENUE ACCOUNT BUDGETARY CONTROL REPORT TO 31 OCTOBER 2025 (PERIOD 7) A report was submitted by the Chief Officer – Resources advising of the 2025/2026 Housing Revenue Account (HRA) revenue budget position on 31 October 2025 and the forecast position of the HRA reserves as at 31 March 2026. After discussion and having heard the Chief Officer – Housing in further explanation and in answer to Members’ questions, the Council agreed:- (1) to note the HRA was forecasting a 2025/26 surplus of £1.087m, a projected favourable variance (underspend) of £1.052m; and (2) to note the forecast 31 March 2026 HRA reserve position of £1.698m which was £0.538m above the HRA prudential target of £1.160m. After further discussion, the Council additionally agreed:- to request that officers supply all Councillors with each and every transaction it had with Kone, including responses, in relation to the repair to the even lift at Crescent Court, Dalmuir; and to further request that officers bring a full report to the first full Council meeting after the budget meeting in relation to the following questions: 1. What went wrong 2. Why did this go so badly 3. What steps have been undertaken to ensure such issues do not arise in the future. The Legal Officer advised that it may not be possible for commercially- sensitive or personal information to be released. This was noted by the Council. HOUSING REVENUE ACCOUNT (HRA) CAPITAL BUDGETARY CONTROL REPORT TO 31 OCTOBER 2025 (PERIOD 7) A report was submitted by the Chief Officer – Resources providing an update on the HRA capital programme to 31 October 2025. The Council agreed:-
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(1) to note the position of the 2025/26 HRA capital budget and the HRA capital plan as 31 October 2025; (2) to note project life performance is monitored against a £345.489m project life expenditure estimate, a £80.378m project life income estimate and a £265.111m five-year borrowing requirement; (3) to note all projects were currently on track to achieve their planned completion dates and that eleven projects were forecast to deliver a total underspend of £7.999m against their five-year project life budgets; (4) to note in-year financial performance is monitored against a 2025/26 capital expenditure budget of £55.547m, 2025/26 capital income budget of £6.290m and a one-year borrowing requirement of £49.257m; and (5) to note there was an anticipated underspend of £9.475m against 2025/26 budgets reducing the forecast one-year borrowing requirement to £39.782m. TREASURY MANAGEMENT MID-YEAR REPORT 2025/2026 A report was submitted by the Chief Officer – Resources providing an update on treasury management to 30 September 2025. The Council agreed:- (1) to note the treasury management stewardship information within the appended report; (2) to approve the 2025/26 revised estimates of treasury and prudential indicators as advised within the appended report (Tables A, B, D, E, F, H, L and N); and (3) to remit the 2025/26 Treasury Management Mid-Year Report to full Council for approval. REVIEW OF WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL’S CAPITAL PROGRAMME A report was submitted by the Chief Officer – Resources providing the outcome of a review of the Council’s capital programme and presenting recommendations to reduce the programme in response to concerns about financial sustainability. ADJOURNMENT The Provost adjourned the meeting for a short recess. The meeting reconvened at 5.50 p.m. with all those listed in the sederunt present. After discussion and having heard the Chief Officer – Resources in further explanation and in answer to Members’ questions, the Council agreed:-
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(1) to approve the removal of the 7 projects listed in Exhibit 4a with the exception of RES7 of the report from the Council’s capital plan; (2) to approve reduced budget allocations to the 6 projects listed in Exhibit 5a of the report; (3) to approve reduced budget allocations to the 4 recurring budget lines listed in Exhibit 6a of the report; (4) to note these amendments would remove a total of £7.169m capital expenditure from the Council’s long term capital programme and generate an estimated £0.154m in revenue savings in 2025/26; and (5) to note these amendments would reduce the budget gap in 2026/27 by £0.248m, 2027/28 by £0.353m, 2028/29 by £0.433m, 2029/30 by £0.441m, and 2030/31 by £0.156m. URGENT ITEM OF BUSINESS EMERGENCY MOTION BY COUNCILLOR CHRIS POLLOCK – PALESTINE ACTION The Provost advised that she had accepted a request from Councillor Pollock for the Council to consider an urgent item of business on Palestine Action. Councillor Pollock moved:- West Dunbartonshire Council expresses its extreme concern that eight prisoners associated with Palestine Action have felt that they had no other recourse to protest against their imprisonment but to launch a hunger strike. Council calls upon the Secretary of State for Justice, David Lammy MP, to intervene urgently to ensure their treatment is humane, their human rights are upheld, and that their concerns are listened to. Furthermore, Council reaffirms its commitment to the principles of justice, fairness, and the protection of fundamental rights for all individuals, regardless of their political affiliations or circumstances. Council believes that the use of hunger strikes as a means of protest reflects a deep sense of desperation, and it is imperative that the Government acts swiftly to address the underlying issues that have given rise to this situation. In doing so, Council urges the Secretary of State to ensure that constructive dialogue takes place, with the aim of resolving grievances in a manner that upholds both the dignity of the prisoners and the integrity of the justice system. Council asks the Chief Executive to write to David Lammy highlighting the concerns that are held by constituents in this local authority area. The Council agreed the motion.
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NOTICE OF MOTIONS (a) Motion by Councillor David McBride – Firework Misuse and National Fireworks Licensing Scheme Councillor McBride moved:- Council notes with deep concern the escalation of dangerous antisocial and criminal behaviour linked to fireworks misuse across West Dunbartonshire in recent weeks. Residents have reported prolonged disturbances, distress to animals, and intimidation of vulnerable individuals, including war veterans and young families. These incidents have undermined community safety and wellbeing, particularly in areas such as Dumbarton West and Dalmuir in Clydebank, where reports suggest deliberate targeting of those who raise concerns. Council further notes the Scottish Government’s decision to pause the implementation of the national fireworks licensing scheme, as originally set out in the Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Act 2022. This reversal removes a critical tool for preventing inappropriate purchases and enforcing responsible use, leaving local authorities and emergency services without adequate powers to protect the public. Council condemns both the recent disorder and the failure to deliver promised legislative safeguards. We reaffirm our support for robust national regulation, including mandatory licensing, restricted sales, and enforceable usage windows. Council therefore resolves to: 1. Write to the First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Justice, urging an immediate reconsideration of the decision to pause the licensing scheme. 2. Request a renewed commitment to implementing the full provisions of the 2022 Act, including mandatory training and tighter sales controls. 3. Continue working with Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, and Trading Standards to mitigate local risks and consider whether Firework Control Zones may offer an effective means of reducing disturbance through the misuse of fireworks. 4. Share this motion with COSLA and neighbouring councils to build cross-authority pressure for national action. As an amendment, Councillor Traynor moved:-
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Council notes with deep concern the escalation of dangerous antisocial and criminal behaviour linked to the misuse of fireworks across West Dunbartonshire in recent weeks. Council further notes reports from residents of prolonged disturbance, distress to animals, and the intimidation of vulnerable individuals, including war veterans and young families. These incidents have undermined community safety and wellbeing, particularly in areas such as Dumbarton West and Dalmuir in Clydebank, where there are reports of the deliberate targeting of individuals who raise concerns. Council acknowledges the significant steps taken by the Scottish Government, within the powers available to the Scottish Parliament, to strengthen the law around access to and use of fireworks. The overarching objective of this legislation is to protect public and community safety by ensuring that fireworks and pyrotechnic articles do not cause harm, distress, or serious injury to people, animals, and communities. In particular, Council notes the following legislative action: The Fireworks (Scotland) Miscellaneous Amendments Regulations 2021, which restricts: • The hours during which fireworks may be sold to the public; • The quantity of fireworks that can be purchased in a single transaction; and • The periods of the year during which fireworks may be sold, including Bonfire Night, New Year, Chinese New Year and Diwali. And the Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Act 2022, which introduced a suite of measures to encourage the safe, lawful and appropriate use of fireworks and pyrotechnics, including: • A prohibition on providing or making available fireworks or pyrotechnic articles to children, including a proxy purchase offence; • A statutory aggravation enabling courts to impose more severe penalties where fireworks or pyrotechnic articles are used to threaten or attack emergency workers; • Discretionary powers for local authorities to designate Firework Control Zones, restricting public use except as part of authorised public displays; • New offences relating to the possession of pyrotechnic articles in public places and at designated sporting, music or cultural venues and events. Council recognises that, taken together, these measures represent a significant strengthening of the legal framework governing fireworks in Scotland, going further than any other part of the UK. Scotland is currently the only nation in the UK with a dedicated legislative framework specifically designed to regulate fireworks and pyrotechnic articles, with a clear focus on public safety, animal welfare, community wellbeing, and the protection of emergency workers.
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Council notes that the Scottish Government has taken the decision not to proceed at this time with the implementation of the national fireworks licensing scheme, and recognises that this decision was taken in the context of significant financial pressures on public services. Council further notes that while the Scottish Government has legislated extensively within devolved competence, the power to introduce a complete ban on the sale of fireworks is reserved to the UK Parliament, and therefore sits with the UK Government, not the Scottish Government or local authorities. Council therefore agrees to: 1. Write to the Scottish Government requesting that the decision not to proceed with the fireworks licensing scheme be reconsidered, and seeking clarity on what further support or resources can be provided to communities in West Dunbartonshire; 2. Continue working in partnership with Police Scotland, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Trading Standards, and other relevant agencies to minimise risk, prevent disorder, and protect public safety; 3. Engage through COSLA to share concerns, best practice, and support coordinated cross-authority approaches to tackling the misuse of fireworks; 4. Request a report from officers setting out the statutory process for the designation of Firework Control Zones, including the legal requirements, consultation processes, enforcement considerations and resource implications, and outlining the options and next steps available to Council should it wish to explore the introduction of Firework Control Zones in areas of West Dunbartonshire. On a roll call vote being taken, 9 Members voted for the amendment, namely Provost Murray Conaghan, and Councillors Bollan, Dickson, Docherty, Lennie, Oxley, Pollock, Scanlan and Traynor and 12 Members voted for the motion, namely Councillors Hennebry, Singh Johal, Lennie, McBride, McGinty, McKay, Millar, O’Neill, Martin Rooney, William Rooney, Sorrell and Steel . The motion was accordingly declared carried. (b) Motion by Councillor Chris Pollock – Celebrating Scotland’s National Men's Team and Clydebank’s John McGinn for Securing Scotland’s First World Cup Qualification since 1998 Council congratulates the Scotland National Men's Football Team on their outstanding achievement in qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This accomplishment reflects the hard work, skill, and determination of the players, coaching staff, and all those involved in Scottish football. Council also commends the Scotland fans for their passion, loyalty and exemplary spirit; recognises their unwavering support at home and abroad;
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celebrates the positive atmosphere they bring to every match; and congratulates them for representing Scotland with pride, humour and sportsmanship. Council further recognises the contribution of John McGinn, who grew up in Clydebank, and commends his pivotal role in the team’s success. His dedication and performances continue to be a source of pride for the local community and an inspiration to young athletes across West Dunbartonshire. Council agrees to write to the Scottish Football Association conveying our congratulations and best wishes to the squad ahead of the tournament. The Council agreed the motion. (c) Motion by Councillor Lawrence O’Neill – Our Freedom: Then & Now Council congratulates all involved in the production of the above graphic novel created in partnership with our communities and schools across Clydebank and thanks our Libraries staff, our School Library Co-ordinators and Paul Bristow for their huge input to this successful project remembering the 80th anniversary and events associated with VE day. Survivors of the Clydebank Blitz in 1941 recalled the events of those fateful days then and the journeys undertaken and reflected in the contemporary world, as well as the pupils of Whitecrook Primary School, Clydebank High School and St. Peter the Apostle High School – this very well researched and produced graphic novel was very warmly received at its launch on Friday, 28th November 2025. Council is asked to agree that copies of the novel, Our Freedom: Then & Now are made available within our public lending libraries and across the School Estate with the cost funded from existing revenue budgets. The Council agreed the motion. (d) Motion by Councillor Gordon Scanlan – Commemorating All Lives Tragically Lost in the Ibrox Stadium Disaster This motion commemorates the lives tragically lost in the Ibrox Stadium Disaster which took place on January 2nd 1971. This includes the 3 Faifley men, George Adams, Charles Dougan and John Gardiner who sadly perished. The disaster was a watershed moment in stadium safety not just for Rangers Football Club but clubs across the United Kingdom.
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Council further asks that a wreath be laid at the Ibrox disaster memorial in Faifley to commemorate the occasion of its 55th anniversary. The Council agreed motion. VALEDICTORY GEORGE HAWTHORN, MANAGER OF DEMOCRATIC AND REGISTRATION SERVICES Provost Murray Conaghan informed the Council that this would be the last meeting of West Dunbartonshire Council that George Hawthorn, Manager of Democratic and Registration Services, would attend as he would soon be retiring from Council service. The Chief Executive passed on his best wishes and thanked Mr Hawthorn for his dedication and lasting impact on democratic services and wished him the very best. COMPLIMENTS OF THE SEASON Before closing the meeting, Provost Murray Conaghan wished everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. DATE OF NEXT MEETING Members noted that the next ordinary meeting of West Dunbartonshire Council was scheduled to be held on Wednesday, 4 March 2026 at 4.00 p.m. The meeting closed at 7.50 p.m.