Candidates for two Highland Council By-Elections confirmed
Issued on behalf of The Returning Officer
Following today’s deadline for nominations, The Highland Council can confirm the details of all the candidates that are standing in both the Ward 6 Cromarty Firth and Ward 10 Eilean a' Cheò By-Elections.
The candidates for Ward 6 Cromarty Firth are as follows.
- CHISHOLM, Steve - Alba Party for independence
- COSTIGANE, Ross - Scottish Liberal Democrats
- CROSS, Richard James - Independent
- FORBES, Ryan - Scottish Conservative and Unionist
- MACDONALD, Allan - Reform UK
- MACDONALD, Odette - Scottish National Party (SNP)
- PERERA, Michael Robert - Scottish Labour Party
- RATTRAY, Martin - Independent
- THOMAS, Anne - Scottish Greens
There is one vacancy for Ward 6 to be filled.
The candidates for Ward 10 Eilean a' Cheò are as follows.
- COUPLAND, John - Reform UK
- DICKSON, Campell - Independent
- GILLIES, Christine - Independent
- LAWRENCE, Katy - Scottish Greens
- MAC A’ BHÀILLIDH, Màrtainn - Scottish National Party (SNP)
- MACDONALD, Jonathan - Independent
- MACPHERSON, George - Scottish Conservative and Unionist
- THOMSON, Fay - Scottish Liberal Democrats
There is one vacancy for Ward 10 to be filled.
Both Notices of Poll and Statements of Persons nominated are now available on the council’s website
Voting will take place on Thursday 19 June 2025. The electronic count for both wards will be held the following day and will be broadcast live on the Council’s social media.
Ward 6, Cromarty Firth is a 4-member ward. The successful candidate will join fellow ward members Sinclair Coghill, Tamala Collier, and John Edmondson.
Ward 10, Eilean a' Cheò is a 4-member ward and with one vacancy to be filled, the successful candidate will join ward members John Finlayson, Drew Miller, and Ruraidh Stewart.
Anyone over 16 years old who is living in Ward 6 or 10 is eligible to vote in these By-Elections if they are registered. To register to vote visit here. Alternatively, call the Electoral Registration Office on 0800 393783 to request a paper application form. The last date to register to vote in this By-Election is midnight on Tuesday 3 June 2025.
Voters will be able to cast their vote in person on the day by visiting their local polling station or they can apply for either a postal vote or appoint a proxy which is requesting someone to vote on their behalf. Photographic ID is not required for people voting at polling stations for this election as it only applies to UK Parliamentary elections.
The latest time to apply for a postal vote is 5pm on Wednesday 4 June 2025 and the deadline for anyone wishing to appoint a proxy, which is someone to vote on their behalf, is 5pm on Wednesday 11 June 2025. Postal packs will be dispatched on Friday 6 June 2025.
Advice on postal and proxy voting is available by contacting the Electoral Registration Office on 0800 393783 or emailing ero@highland.gov.uk