Nominations sought for Lochaber by-election

Nomination packs for prospective candidates for the Caol and Mallaig Ward by-election are now available from The Highland Council’s website. 

 The by-election is being held following the sad death of Councillor Billy MacLachlan who was one of three Councillors representing Ward 11. The other Ward members are Councillors Allan Henderson (Independent) and Ben Thompson (Independent)

The Returning Officer is inviting any prospective candidates and their agents to an awareness session in Fort William on Thursday 15 March to go over the election process. Topics covered will include the nomination procedure, the election timetable, the issuing of Poll Cards and Postal Ballot packs and Candidate’s spending limits. This session will take place in Fort William Council Offices at 12.30pm

Anyone who would like to register their interest to attend the awareness session is asked to telephone the Council’s Election Office on 01463 702945 or e-mail the office at elections@highland.gov.uk

The closing date for nominations is 4pm on Thursday 1 March. Nomination Forms should be delivered to Emma Tayler, Depute Returning Officer, The Highland Council, Chief Executives Office, Lochaber House, High Street, Fort William, PH33 6EL.

If the seat is contested, voting will take place on Thursday 5 April with the count taking place within the ward on Friday 6 April.

Anyone eligible to vote can vote in person on the day or apply for either a postal vote or to vote by proxy. The latest time to apply for a postal vote is 5.00pm on Monday 19 March and the deadline for anyone wishing to apply to vote by proxy is Monday 26 March.  Advice on postal and proxy voting is available by contacting the Electoral Registration Office on 0800 393783.