Local Government Elections

Local Government By-election

The Highland Council is divided into 21 Wards and elections are administered, centrally, through the Election Office.

A by-election can occur due to a vacancy, for example death or resignation of an elected representative. It can take place during any of the ordinary local government electoral cycles, and is subject to the same statutory timetable.

Election of a Councillor for Ward 21 – Fort William and Ardnamurchan

A Local Government By-Election will be held on Thursday 21 November 2024 to fill a vacancy that has arisen in Ward 21, following the resignation of Councillor Angus MacDonald. This is a 4-member ward and the other ward members are Councillors Sarah Fanet (Scottish National Party), Thomas MacLennan (Highland Independent) and Kate Willis (Scottish Green Party).

The notice of election and further information is now available below.

Notice of election and nomination packs

Further information on becoming a Candidate

Prior to submitting nomination papers

Before the original documents are officially lodged by hand, Candidates and Agents have the opportunity to scan and email their forms to election@highland.gov.uk for carrying out an informal check. 

Prior to lodging papers Candidates and Agents must email election@highland.gov.uk or contact Linda Johnstone on 07496 176004 or Cheryl MacIver 07775 411321 to arrange an appointment to hand deliver papers. Candidates and agents attending must provide their contact details (and those of persons acting for them), including emails and telephone number.

Prospective candidates will have until 4pm on Monday 21 October 2024 to submit their completed nomination forms.

Privacy Notice

Privacy Notice for registering candidates and agents prior to elections and referendums

Pre-election Guidance and Poster Policy

If the seat is contested, voting will take place on Thursday 21 November 2024 with the count taking place the following day on Friday 22 November 2024.

A Candidate and Election Agent’s briefing session will be organised online via Microsoft Teams on Tuesday 22 October 2024 at 11.00am which will provide further information about the poll and count and give you the opportunity to ask us any questions. Please let us know via email election@highland.gov.uk if you wish to join this briefing, and the details to whom we should extend an invite.

Results for the Election of Councillors for Ward 6 - Cromarty Firth and Ward 14 - Inverness Central

An electronic count was held on Friday 27 September 2024 for both wards and the results are now available below.

Ward 6 - Cromarty Firth

After application of the Election Rules to fill 2 vacancies, Sinclair Coghill (Independent) and John Edmondson (Scottish Liberal Democrats) were elected as Councillors to serve Ward 6 - Cromarty Firth. The turnout was 24.6%, there were 2,375 valid ballot papers and 45 rejected ballot papers.

Detailed Results

Ward 14 - Inverness Central

After application of the Election Rules to fill 1 vacancy, Michael Gregson (Scottish Labour Party) was elected as a Councillor to serve Ward 14 - Inverness Central. The turnout was 20.3%, there were 1,717 valid ballot papers and 15 rejected ballot papers

Detailed Results

This document here will explain How to understand the voting information* on the preference profile report.

Candidate Spending Returns and Declarations

Notice is hereby given below on the inspection of the returns of election spending, declarations and accompanying documents of Candidates at Highland Council By-Elections that have been previously held.