Most of Badenoch and Strathspey's 'lost' community councils re-form
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There was relief across the strath as news emerged that at the second time of asking sufficient names had come forward to serve on Badenoch and Strathspey’s community councils.
Highland Council announced the results of Community Council Interim Elections 2024 to confirm that no fewer than 14 of the local watchdogs had been formed following the second call for candidates.
Among those happy few were Cromdale and Advie, Dalwhinnie, Dulnain Bridge and Grantown.
High Council convener Bill Lobban told the Strathy: “Community councils play an important role in how communities operate and are supported, so four of the five remaining community councils re-forming at the second attempt is not just good for local democracy.
“It’s also the way for local communities to have their voice heard.
“This is good news all round.”
His fellow strath councillor, Muriel Cockburn, shared that view.
Mr Cockburn told the Strathy: “It is good news indeed that Grantown and Dalwhinnie CC are reforming.
“It is important that community councils act as a valuable resource and support for their communities working for all the citizens in their locale.”
The one big disappointment was that Badenoch and Strathspey is still minus one of its watchdogs: insufficient numbers came forward in Carrbridge to re-form the local group.
The strath now boasts community council coverage in all but one of its towns and villages.
The new watchdog members are:
Cromdale and Advie
Mary-Ann Connolly, Tina Murray, Peter Scullion, Shannon Strathdee, Dean Wight.
Dalwhinnie
Bill Carr, Lesley Carr, Michael Chappell, Simon Conroy, Jen Dickinson, David Haggarty, Deborah Lauretta Munday, Nicola Penny.
Dulnain Bridge
David Childs, Andy Dixon, Christine Dixon, Tim Keats, Donald MacDonald, Jayne Mitchell, George Rae, Suzanne Sutherland.
Grantown
Mike Barras, John Halliday, Allan Jamieson, Ewan MacGregor, Laurie MacLeod, Beatrice Oliphant, Bill Sadler, Jenny Steven, Sandra Willox.
A total of nine community councils failed to form as the total number of validly nominated candidates was less than the minimum number required.
The following will now be dissolved:
Ballifeary, Bower.
Carrbridge.
East Nairnshire, Glendale, Inver .
Muirtown, Portree. Smithton.
Those across the Highlands who re-formed beyond Badenoch and Strathspey were:
Balintore and Hilton, Cawdor and West Nairnshire, Dalneigh and Columba, Merkinch, Muir of Ord, Nairn West and Suburban, Resolis, Small Isles, Stromeferry and Achmore, Tain.
In eight areas there will even be elections staged because more than enough names came forward.
Polls will be staged in: Ballachulish, Creich, Dornie and District, Golspie, Nigg and Shandwick, Sleat, Sunart and Waternish.
Candidates have the option to withdraw their nomination by 12noon on Tuesday, February 6.
If there are still more nominations than the maximum membership, then a postal ballot will be held.
Ballot papers will be posted out to voters and the results will be declared on Tuesday, March 19.
