Voting papers for Melvich and Bettyhill community councillors are sent out
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Postal ballot papers have been mailed out ahead of contested community council elections in parts of Caithness and Sutherland, as well as across the Highlands.
Thurso; Watten; Melvich; and Bettyhill, Strathnaver and Altnaharra are four of the 10 councils where an election is required.
Votes need to be returned by the deadline of noon on Monday, November 27.
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 Highland Council’s website at www.highland.gov.uk/ccelections
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 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 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 10 contested community councils will take place from noon onwards on November 27 and the count process will be broadcast live on the council’s social media channels.
