Community Council elections

What is a Community Council ?

Community Councils are voluntary organisations that 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. 

Every local community can request their local authority to establish a Community Council in their area. 

What is involved? 

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. 

The maximum membership of each of the 156 Highland Community Councils 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? 

The Election Office is responsible for running the Community Council elections, which must be held every 4 years.  

Those wishing to stand as Candidate must be: 

• aged 16 years and over; 

• a resident within the boundary of the Community Council area;  

• named in the Electoral Register for that Community Council. 

Follow the link to view the map and search details on your community council. 

Interim Election – 14 October 2024

The timetable for the next scheduled interim election for any community councils that have fallen into abeyance since January is now available.

                                 Timetable 

The notice of election and online nomination form will be published online here on Monday 19 August 2024.

Councils that failed to form in 2023/24

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

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

Subsequently to re-establish this community council, 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 would be held after the current 4 year term in 2027.

Questions or advice

Please contact the Elections Team if you have any questions about the election process.

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