Carbisdale Castle owner Samantha Kane ‘no longer a candidate’ in Ardgay community council election
Carbisdale Castle owner Samantha Kane has announced that she has stood down as a candidate in the forthcoming Ardgay and District Community Council (A&DCC) election - despite Highland Council officials stating that she cannot be removed from the ballot.
Ms Kane, whose alleged disruptive behaviour led to A&DCC falling into abeyance after members moved to dissolve the group in the hope of re-forming without her, had previously announced she would be standing for the body again.
The community council had collapsed twice in just over a year as disputes continued, and has remained in abeyance.
The human rights barrister was one of 13 local people who have put themselves forward in a bid to re-form the community council when elections takes place on Friday, October 10.
Ms Kane has now announced her intention to petition Highland Council for a dedicated Carbisdale Community Council area, to “represent those residing on the Carbisdale Estate”.
In a statement on Facebook, she also pledged to work collaboratively with the Ardgay and District Community Council “on issues of joint importance”.
Consequently, she states that she is “no longer a candidate” in the Ardgay and District Community Council election.
“Since moving to Carbisdale, I have always looked to work closely with the community and support local initiatives,” she said.
“Carbisdale Castle, its woodland, and the historic battlefield are treasures we all share. I am merely the custodian at this point in history, doing my best to preserve it for future generations.
“I believe that love - a love for our landscape and heritage - must always guide our actions, not conflict or division.”
Despite Ms Kane’s intention to no longer stand, Highland Council have stated that she will still appear on the ballot.
A council spokesman said: “As both the nomination and withdrawal deadlines (Tuesday, September 9, 12 noon) are now past the returning officer has no legal powers to amend the ballot paper to remove a candidate.
“The names of all candidates who were validly nominated will appear on the ballot paper.”
Last week, Ms Kane launched a petition opposing SSEN’s proposed Spittal-Beauly pylon line, which she said “would desecrate this unique landscape forever.”
More than 1000 people have already supported the petition against the line.
She added: “My vision is for Carbisdale Castle to be restored with care and to be a source of pride and opportunity for our community. Guided by love for our landscape and heritage, I believe we will achieve great things together.”