Call to become 'voice of your community' – your chance to join Sutherland community councils
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Nominations have opened for people wishing to seek election to their local community council.
There are 16 community councils covering the whole of Sutherland, and this is an opportunity to help represent the views of your community to Highland Council and other public agencies.
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, 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 wind farm 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.
Highland Council is responsible for running the community councils election, which must be held every four years. 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 notice of election and online nomination form to be completed for candidates wishing to serve their local community council in the Highlands for the next four years is published at www.highland.gov.uk/ccelections
Those wishing to stand as a candidate must be at least 16 years of age, reside within the community council boundary and must be a registered voter. You can contact the electoral registration office on 0800 393783 or email ero@highland.gov.uk to check if you are a registered voter.
The deadline for submitting nomination papers online is noon on Tuesday, October 3.
Guidance and full details on the role of a community council is available on the website above.
The statements of persons nominated for each community council will be published by Wednesday, October 4.
A postal ballot will be held in instances where the number of nominations exceeds the maximum membership. Ballot papers will be issued by post on Tuesday, October 31, and must be returned no later than noon on Monday, November 27.
The 16 community councils covering Sutherland are:
- Ardgay and District Community Council
- Assynt Community Council
- Bettyhill, Strathnaver and Altnaharra Community Council
- Brora Community Council
- Creich Community Council
- Dornoch Community Council
- Durness Community Council
- Golspie Community Council
- Helmsdale Community Council
- Kinlochbervie Community Council
- Lairg Community Council
- Melvich Community Council
- Rogart Community Council
- Scourie Community Council
- Strathy and Armadale
- Tongue Community Council
