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.

Community Council Interim Election Results – October 2025

A postal ballot was held for the Ardgay and District and Avoch and Killen Community Councils, as the number of nominations received exceeded their maximum membership.

The count took place on Friday 10 October 2025 and the Candidates who received the highest number of votes have now been elected to serve on their respective Community Councils.

The declaration of results for the contested Community Councils is now available:

• Ardgay and District
• Avoch and Killen

You can watch the count and declaration of results here

Dissolved Community Councils

The following Community Councils have dissolved as the total number of validly nominated candidates was less than the minimum number required:

• Acharacle
• Ballifeary
• Bower
• East Nairnshire
• Glendale
• Inver
• Muirtown
• Portree
• Smithton

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 Election Team if you have any questions about the election process.

Email: ccelection@highland.gov.uk
Tel: 01349 886657