Community Council elections
Community Councils and How to Get Involved
Community Councils provide a key role within their local communities and offer a wealth of local knowledge and experience that when shared with us can help deliver better services. 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.
There are 156 Highland Community Councils whereby their membership 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?
Where a Community Council has membership vacancies then you may be able to become a member.
Candidates wishing to stand for election or co-option must be 16 years and over and reside in the Community Council boundary and be named on the electoral register for that area.
Follow the link to view the map and search details on your community council.
Digital Toolkit
Our digital toolkit has been put together to help communities raise awareness and includes useful information for anyone thinking about standing.
Interim Notice of Election
The timetable for the next interim election is detailed below to fill vacancies for community councils that have fallen into abeyance since January:
Nomination Period
To stand as a candidate, all you need to do is self-nominate by completing and submitting the online nomination paper by 12noon on Tuesday, 2 September 2025. 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, contact 01349 886657 or email ccelection@highland.gov.uk
Withdrawal Period
Anyone wishing to withdraw their candidacy must do so in writing no later than 12 noon on Tuesday, 9 September 2025
Close of Nominations
Following the close of the nominations, the lists of persons nominated for each community council will be published here by Wednesday, 3 September 2025.
If no ballot is to be held, then the new Community Council will be formed by Tuesda,y 9 September 2025.
Ballots for (any) Contested Councils
A postal ballot will be held if the number of nominations is higher than the maximum number of members allowed. If this happens, ballot papers will be sent out by post on Tuesday, 23 September 2025 and must be returned by 12 noon on Friday, 10 October 2025. If an election has to take place, more details will be published here soon.
Dissolved Community Councils
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 should be held after the current 4-year term in 2027.
Questions or advice
Contact the Elections Team if you have any questions about the election process.
Email: ccelection@highland.gov.uk
Tel: 01349 886657