Ross community council breakthrough
TWO Ross-shire communities will now be represented by grassroots councils after enough people came forward at the second time of asking.
As previously reported, community councils covering both Gairloch and Fearn went into abeyance last month because an insufficient number of candidates came forward to fill the small quota of places required.
The maximum membership of each of the 156 Highland Community Councils is determined by the population it serves and varies from seven to 13 members.
The apathetic response was echoed across large parts of the Highlands, although elections were required in a number of areas.
A second call for nominations issued by Highland Council following last month's elections has resulted in 16 of the 19 community councils in the Highlands which went into abeyance being able to continue.
Eight candidates came forward in Gairloch abnd six in Fearn. Consequently both community councils can be formed, although no elections are required.
The three community councils which remain in abeyance are Caol, Inverness Central and Laggan.
Last month, a further 112 community councils attracted more than half the maximum membership, allowing them to function from November 16.
The decision to hold elections across the Highlands at the same time was a key feature of a new scheme for the establishment of community councils agreed by Highland Council earlier this year.