Councillor sought for Ward 21

‘We need people from all backgrounds and experiences who reflect the communities they live in to put themselves forward.’

A vacancy has arisen for a councillor to represent the Fort William and Ardnumurchan ward of The Highland Council following the death of Councillor Ian Ramon last month.

And returning officer, chief executive of The Highland Council Donna Manson, is encouraging people to put themselves forward as candidates.

She said: ‘As an inclusive council, we need people from all backgrounds and experiences who reflect the communities they live in to put themselves forward for election.

‘With Highland Council elections on May 5 2022, the elected member will hold the post for a short term, however, this should not stop candidates standing as it is an opportunity to build relationships and represent your ward with a possibility to get re-elected next May.’

Ward 21 is a four-member ward. The other ward members are councillors Blair Allan, Scottish National Party; Andrew Baxter, Scottish Conservative and Unionist; and Niall MacLean, Scottish National Party.

Candidate nomination forms can be downloaded from https://www.highland.gov.uk/ byelection or by contacting the election office via email election@highland.gov.uk or 01349 886657.

Completed nomination papers must be delivered to Dot Ferguson, depute returning officer, The Highland Council, Policy and Reform, Charles Kennedy Building, Achintore Road, Fort William, PH33 6RQ, by prior appointment between the hours of 10am and 4pm on any working day no later than 4pm on Friday October 29.

Prior to lodging papers, candidates and agents should contact Dot Ferguson 07899 067668 to arrange an appointment. Before the original documents are officially lodged by hand, candidates can scan and email their forms to election@ highland.gov.uk for an informal check.

If the seat is contested, voting will take place on Thursday December 2, with the electronic count taking place in the ward on the following day.