COMMUNITY COUNCIL ELECTIONS

Iain Ferguson

Community councils (CCs) have an important role to play in giving local residents a voice on issues of concern to their area. These views will then be raised with Highland councillors, MSPs and MPs to make them aware and help address concerns.

Depending on the population of the area to be represented, the CC can vary in size from seven to 13 members, aged 16 or over and on the electoral register. If more people than the number of seats available decide to stand, an election is held to appoint members for a four-year term. There are 21 community councils in Lochaber and all members are unpaid volunteers.

This October, all current community councillors must stand down and are eligible for re-election, but if not enough candidates come forward the individual council will cease to exist.

Most CCs meet monthly, with some meetings online. Recently, several councils came together to form the Linnhe Community Alliance giving a stronger community voice and influence decision-making on topics including the Corran Ferry and the FW2040 project.

Ally Entwistle, chairwoman of Glenfinnan CC, said: “CCs can gain strength by working together. We act with others on ‘The Road to the Isles’ when necessary and being part of the seven-strong Linnhe Community Alliance keeps us connected with the Fort William area.”

Long-serving secretary of the largest body, Fort William, Inverlochy and Torlundy CC, Patricia Jordan, said: “I have worked alongside most CCs in Lochaber and have seen big changes over the years, good and bad, but these have benefitted from community involvement. Being able to sit at the table, discuss issues you know are important, speaking for your community is a great privilege.”

Chairman Mark Linfield said: “Much is happening in our area - Fort William 2040, town centre regeneration, new hospital and new housing and the CC’s input is always valuable. It would be terrific to have more residents becoming community councillors in the forthcoming election so we have a new, stronger voice.”

John Fotheringham, of Spean Bridge, Roy Bridge and Achnacarry CC said: “We don’t join a CC to be popular with the powers that be. We speak for the people and it is essential to stand up to the big public bodies.”

The election notice will be published in early September, with nominations closing on October 3. If there are more nominees than the maximum, there will be an election but if not enough people come forward, that community council ceases to exist.

For more information, please search “community council elections” in the search box on the Highland Council website.