Cairngorms National Park Elections

Elections for five community representatives to serve on the Cairngorms National Park Authority has attracted 11 candidates. The Park area has been divided into five wards – three in Highland; one in Moray/Aberdeenshire and one in Aberdeenshire/Angus – with one community candidate being elected to represent each area.

There will be two three-way contests and one two-way contest in Highland; one two-way contest in Aberdeenshire/Moray.  In Aberdeenshire/Angus, there is no contest, with a sole nomination being received and the candidate will join the Board with effect from 15 March.

Residents within the four areas where there will be a contest will be sent postal ballot papers on Thursday 22 February with a deadline for return by 4 pm on Wednesday 15 March. Votes will be counted as soon as practicable after that time at the count venue in Kingussie.

Each candidate has provided the Returning Officer – Arthur McCourt, Chief Executive of The Highland Council – with a statement of no more than 250 words, containing details of the candidate and their perspective on matters relating to the Park. Mr McCourt will issue these to each elector when ballot papers are sent out.

The Park Authority also comprises 10 appointees of the Scottish Executive and 10 local council nominees (five from The Highland Council; three from Aberdeenshire Council; one from Moray Council and one from Angus Council).

At 3,800 kms in size, the Cairngorms National Park will be the most extensive in Great Britain. It was formally established on 25 March, 2003.

Information about the elections can be found on the home page of The Highland Council’s Internet site: www.www.highland.gov.uk

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