Two elections confirmed as 16 more Community Councils formed

Elections will be held in two Highland Community Councils following a second round of elections and a further 14 Community Councils attracted sufficient nominations to reform.

Lairg and Raasay attracted more nominations than the maximum membership and elections will take place via a postal ballot early in the new year.

An election was possible in Sleat and Dunvegan but a number of candidates withdrew their nominations before the deadline for withdrawals at 4pm today (Tuesday).

Sleat and Dunvegan can now immediately reform as they attracted half or more than their maximum entitlement (7-13). The other Community Councils which can reform are:-

Caithness: Bower

Sutherland: Tongue,

Ross:  Gairloch, Fearn.

Skye:  Dunvegan, Glendale, Broadford & Strath, Skeabost & District and Sleat.

Inverness:  Merkinch, Inverness South.

Nairn: East Nairnshire,

Lochaber:   Nether Lochaber, Glencoe and Glen Etive.

19 Community Councils recently held elections and only three failed to form.  They are Inverness Central, Caol, near Fort William and Laggan, where an active community association operates.

A total of 137 Community Councils were formed following the first round of elections on 16 November.