Advance notice of Community Council elections 2023

The Highland Council can confirm that on Monday 4 September the process for the 2023 Community Council elections will begin.

From this date nominations will be invited from people seeking election to all Community Councils across Highland. This is your chance to help represent the views of your community to the Highland Council and other public agencies.

The Highland Council is responsible for running the Community Councils election, which must be held every 4 years. The maximum membership of each of the Highland Community Council’s is determined by the population it serves and varies from 7 to 13 members.

Community Councils are voluntary organisations that act as a voice for their local area. They express views and concerns of local people within their area across a wide range of issues such as new buildings and roads to local services and facilities. They also have legal duties: by law, the highland Council must consult with Community Councils on planning and licensing applications in their area.

In some areas, Community Councils have received Community Benefit money from windfarm projects which they can reinvest in the community. Others are involved in setting up Community Development Companies which can lead on larger scale projects to improve the area.

Community Councils also work to make positive changes in their local communities. Some Community Councils have worked to improve patient transport, dental services and care services as well as looking at ways to improve their environment for the good of the community and visitors to the area.

On Monday 4 September 2023 the Council will publish on its website the Notice of Election to officially launch the process along with nomination forms, a publicity toolkit to help communities spread the word and lots of helpful information for anyone considering standing.