Four new councillors voted to council to serve across region

FOUR new councillors have won seats in Ward 21, Fort William and Ardnamurchan and Ward 11, Caol and Mallaig, while three existing councillors have been re- elected, writes Ellie Forbes.

At the Scottish council elections on Thursday May 5, Andrew Baxter (Independant) was re- elected and Blair Allan (SNP), Ian Ramon (Conservative) and Niall McLean (SNP) elected to serve Fort William and Ardnamurchan.

Mr Baxter said: ‘Over the last five years, I’ve worked hard to represent our area on the council.

‘I’ve always taken a no-nonsense approach, speaking my mind and arguing the case for Lochaber at every opportunity, even when that has made me unpopular with council officers or fellow councillors.

‘I said I would continue that approach if re- elected. Local residents clearly supported that approach by re- electing me last Thursday.’

Mr Allan said: ‘While I am delighted to have been elected, I am also very grateful for, yet humbled and privileged by, the confidence that the people of the ward have placed in me – I will do my level best to live up to their high expectations. In offering my congratulations to the other successful candidates in Lochaber, I would also like to say how much I am looking forward to working with them to help make Lochaber an even better place in which to live and work.’ Mr McLean told the Lochaber

Times: ‘I am excited to work hard for ward 21 and am very grateful for all the support I have received during the

process. I plan to get out round the ward in the short-term and listen to people’s needs and concerns.’

The Lochaber Times could not reach Mr Ramon for a comment.

For Ward 11, Ben Thompson (Independent) and Allan Henderson (Independent) were re- elected, while SNP councillor William MacLachlan was newly elected.

Mr MacLachlan said: ‘I am delighted to be elected with huge thanks to all who voted for me. Unfortunately I was laid low with a severe flu bug so did not get out and about for over a week, but I’m looking forward to meeting as many people as possible in the months ahead.’

Independent Mr Thompson added: ‘I’m delighted to be elected and want to thank those who voted for me. I’m looking forward to working hard for everyone across my ward. I’m also looking forward to establishing a good working relationship with all the Lochaber councillors – returning and new.’

Mr Henderson said: ‘I am delighted that the electorate of Ward 11 have shown confidence and faith in me by electing me to represent them for a third term.

‘Thanks also to all who helped me during the canvassing period, which reminds us just what a beautiful, large and varied ward we represent.

‘I will continue to endeavour to help and be available where possible and continue to fight Lochaber’s corner for a fair share as the Highland Council moves to more decentralised working and budgets with more local input.’