Postal ballot to be held for Ardgay and District Community Council after 13 nominations received

Highland Council is to hold an election for Ardgay and District Community Council after receiving more nominations than there are vacancies.

A total of 13 people have put themselves forward for the seven vacant seats on the community council, which was dissolved in February after four of its five members resigned, leaving the group without a quorum.

The only remaining community councillor is Samantha Kane, owner of Carbisdale Castle, who will automatically be given a seat on the reconstituted community council.

Ms Kane was vice-person of the previous community council.

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The people who have put their names forward are: Eilidh Forbes, Amy Frew, Donna Gillies, Tommy Gordon, Kerry Hawthorne, Anne Henderson, Robert Henderson, Paula Maclean, Posy Macrae, David Rippon, Robert Sawyer, Tom Tomlinson and Les Waugh.

Highland Council said: “Following the withdrawal period for candidates, Highland Council can now confirm that a postal ballot will be held to decide the membership of Ardgay and District Community Council.”

Ballot papers as well as statements from the candidates will be posted to eligible voters on Monday, September 23.

Completed ballot papers must be returned by no later than 12pm on Monday, October 14 and the count will be broadcast live by the council from 12pm.

A Highland Council spokesperson said: “Community councillors are elected by a simple majority The successful candidates will be those with the highest number of votes, with the number of successful candidates equal to the number of vacancies.”

Community councils act as a voice for their local area and work to make positive change. They represent the views and concerns of local people across a wide range of issues.

Further information including the statements submitted by the 13 nominees is available on the council’s website at https://www.highland.gov.uk/ccelections

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