Voters Encouraged To Return Community Council Election Ballots

31st October 2023

Postal ballot papers for ten contested Highland community councils have been mailed out today (Tuesday 31 October 2023). The Highland Council is reminding voters that ballot papers need to be completed and returned by the deadline of 12 noon on Monday 27 November 2023.

The contested community councils are:

Bettyhill, Strathnaver and Altnaharra
Croy and Culloden Moor
Dunvegan
Glengarry
Kiltearn
Melvich
Spean Bridge, Roy Bridge and Achnacarry
Thurso
Watten
Wester Loch Ewe

Candidates were invited to submit a statement to support their candidacy and these statements are now published online at the community council elections section of the Council's website

Community Councils are voluntary organisations that 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, The Highland Council must consult with Community Councils on planning and licensing applications in their area.

In some areas, Community Councils receive Community Benefit money from windfarm projects which they can reinvest in the community. Others are involved in setting up Community Development Companies which can lead on larger scale projects to improve the area.

Community Councils also work to make positive changes in their local communities. Some Community Councils have worked to improve patient transport, dental services and care services as well as looking at ways to improve their environment for the good of the community and visitors to the area.

The counting of the votes for the ten contested Community Councils will take place from 12noon onwards on Monday 27 November 2023 and the count process will be broadcast live on the Council's social media channels.