Council calls election for twenty eight Highland Community Councils

Do you want to be a voice for your community? If so The Highland Council is inviting nominations for people to join 28 community councils which have remained unformed following the election held on 18 November last year.

Community Councils are voluntary organisations that act as a voice for their local area. They 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. They also have statutory duties: by law, the Highland Council must consult with Community Councils on planning and licensing applications in their 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. 

Nominations are invited for the following Community Councils:

· Ward 1:
Ardgay and District

· Ward 4:
Bower;
Sinclairs Bay

· Ward 6:
Coigach;
Contin;
Kyle;
Lochbroom;
Stromeferry and Achmore;
Strathpeffer

· Ward 8:
Balintore and Hilton;
Inver

· Ward 9:
Conon Bridge

· Ward 11:
Glendale;
Raasay

· Ward 12:
Arisaig;
Mallaig;

· Ward 13:
Kiltarlity

· Ward 14:
Ballifeary;
Muirtown

· Ward 16:
Lochardil and Drummond;
Holm

· Ward 21:
Dulnain Bridge;
Grantown on Spey and Vicinity;
Laggan

· Ward 22:
Ardgour;
Kinlochleven;
Morvern;
Wester Ardnamurchan

The Returning Officer for the elections is Steve Barron, Chief Executive of The Highland Council. He said: "We are entering the second round of Community Council elections so this is another chance for people to help represent the views of their community.

“It’s a great way to improve the community in which you live so I would really encourage anyone interested to consider this opportunity. Anyone can be a Community Councillor, provided they are aged 16 or over, are on the Electoral Register and live within the Community Council boundary.”

Candidates wishing to serve can nominate themselves from tomorrow (Tuesday 19 January) until 4pm on Wednesday 3 February. If the number of nominations exceeds the number of places on the Community Council then there will be an election ballot in that local area. 

Nomination forms and copies of the scheme of Community Councils can be downloaded from the Council’s website – www.highland.gov.uk or you can e-mail elections@highland.gov.uk