Concerns for democracy

It is worrying so few candidates have put their names forward to stand in the Scottish local authority elections.

As MSP Kate Forbes says, local councillors are influential and can make a massive difference to the issues that matter most to communities including local infrastructure, schools, leisure facilities and much more.

But there can be no doubt politics has become unattractive over the last few years. There are many good, hard-working councillors working in our areas, but people can often see local politics as a thankless task, particularly when the debate finds its way onto social media.

We need more people willing to work for the good of Fort William and wider Lochaber, but perhaps it is time to ensure the support and financial remuneration reflect the time, effort and pressures the job often entails.