Independent John Murray Wins - East Sutherland and Edderton by-election result

29th June 2026

The by-election to elect a councillor to represent Ward 4 East Sutherland and Edderton on The Highland Council has been won by John Murray, Independent who was one of 5 candidates who contested the vacancy.

Voters went to the poll (Thursday 25 June 2026) and the by-election count was held Friday morning in Dornoch Academy.

Voting was by the single transferable vote and John emerged as the winner at stage 5 of the count.

The turnout was 39.7%.

Ward 4 is a 3-member ward and John will join fellow members Councillors Richard Gale and Leslie-Anne Niven in representing the Ward.

John Murray replaces Highland Councillor Jim McGillivray who resigned from his Ward 4 (East Sutherland and Edderton) seat in April 2026 after 19 years of service.

Detailed results available at
https://www.highland.gov.uk/downloads/download/1368/ward-4---east-sutherland-and-edderton-by-election-results-2026