Elections set to take place in two Caithness community council areas next month
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
COMMUNITY council elections are expected to take place in two areas of Caithness next month. Thurso and Watten are among the 15 locations in the Highlands where there were more nominations than places available.
Other north areas where voters will have to decide the membership include Bettyhill, Strathnaver and Altnaharra; Melvich; and Scourie.
A Highland Council spokesman said if a candidate wishes to withdraw, they can do so by completing a withdrawal notice.
He added: "For the community councils for which an election is to be held, candidates will be requested to submit a personal statement to support their candidacy and this will be published on the council’s website on the date the ballot papers are issued.
"The election day is scheduled for Monday, November 27, and voting is by means of a postal vote. The maximum membership of each of the Highland Community Councils is determined by the population it serves and varies from seven to 13 members."
The spokesman pointed out that in 113 of the 156 community councils there were enough members nominated to allow them to form from Wednesday, October 11. They include Castletown and District, Dunnet and Canisbay, the Royal Burgh of Wick and Latheron, Lybster and Clyth as well as Berriedale and Dunbeath.
However, a total of 28 community councils across the Highland Council area will not be established as they failed to attract half the maximum membership.
They include Bower; Balintore and Hilton; Golspie; Grantown-on-Spey; Muir of Ord; and Tain.
The next opportunity for nominations to be made to those community councils will be in January next year.
Community councils are voluntary organisations which act as a voice for their local area. They express views and concerns of local people within their area across a wide range of issues such as new buildings and roads to local services and facilities. They also have legal duties: by law, Highland Council must consult with community councils on planning and licensing applications in their area.
In some areas, the councils receive community benefit funding from wind farm projects which they can reinvest in the area. Others are involved in setting up community development companies which can lead on larger-scale projects.
Highland Council is responsible for running the community council elections, which must be held every four years.
