Community Council elections
What is a Community Council ?
Community Councils are voluntary organisations that express the views and concerns of local people within their area across a wide range of issues from new buildings and roads to local services and facilities.
Every local community can request their local authority to establish a Community Council in their area.
What is involved?
The Community Council meets regularly to discuss issues affecting their area, including planning and licensing. All meetings are held in public, and residents are encouraged to attend their local meeting.
The maximum membership of each of the 156 Highland Community Councils is determined by the population it serves and varies from 7 to 13 members.
For more information on the roles and responsibilities of a community councillor, please see our Community Council page or view our Frequently Asked Questions.
Here is the link to a short video on what is a Community Council
How can I apply to be a Community Councillor?
The Election Office is responsible for running the Community Council elections, which must be held every 4 years.
Those wishing to stand as Candidate must be:
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aged 16 years and over;
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a resident within the boundary of the Community Council area;
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named in the Electoral Register for that Community Council.
Follow the link to view the map and search details on your community council.
Interim Election – 14 October 2024
The timetable for the next scheduled interim election is detailed below to fill vacancies for the following community councils that have fallen into abeyance since the last round of interim elections: -
- Ardgay and District (7 vacancies)
- Kinlochleven (5 vacancies)
- Strathglass (5 vacancies)
Nomination Period
To stand as Candidate, all you need do is self-nominate yourself by completing and submitting the online nomination paper by 12noon on Tuesday 3 September 2024. Please read the guidance note to assist you in completing the online form.
If you have any issues accessing the online nomination form or require it in another format that is more accessible, please contact 01349 886657 or email ccelection@highland.gov.uk
Withdrawal Period
Anyone wishing to withdraw their candidacy must complete the withdrawal form online and submit by no later than 12noon on Tuesday 10 September 2024.
Close of Nominations
Following the close of the nominations, the lists of persons nominated for each community council will be published here by Wednesday 4 September 2024.
If no ballot is to be held then the new Community Council will be formed by Tuesday 10 September 2024.
Ballots for (any) Contested Councils
A postal ballot will be held in instances where the number of nominations exceeds the maximum membership.
Ballot papers are scheduled to be issued by post on Monday 23 September 2024 and must be returned no later than 12noon on Monday 14 October 2024.
Further information on the count will be published here.
Digital Toolkit
The Election Team have prepared a publicity toolkit to help communities spread the word with lots of helpful information for anyone considering standing.
Councils that failed to form in 2023/24
The following Community Councils have dissolved as the total number of validly nominated candidates was less than the minimum number required :
Subsequently to re-establish any of the community councils listed above, twenty or more electors will need to submit a requisition to The Highland Council in accordance with Section 52(7) of the Local Government Act 1973, on receipt of which the Returning Officer shall arrange a date for a further election to be held. Failing such a requisition a further election would be held after the current 4 year term in 2027.
Questions or advice
Please contact the Elections Team if you have any questions about the election process.
Email: election@highland.gov.uk
Tel: 01349 886657