Ross-shire veteran states case for independent council

INDEPENDENT councillors without party obligations can make a real difference to local government in the Highlands, a veteran Ross-shire councillor has claimed.

Cromarty Firth ward councillor Carolyn Wilson - one of eight candidates standing for election to the four-member ward on May 3 - made her remarks as a representative of the Independent Group on Highland Council.

Although it has a long-established tradition of independent councillors, the local authority has for several years operated with political groups.

Following the publication of the nominations for the Highland Council elections, the Independent Group said it was "delighted" to see 54 individuals standing as independents.

The present Independent councillors have produced a charter of priorities and aims for the group in the next Council.

Councillor Wilson (pictured) said: "As an independent group we will support and encourage all those standing under the independent banner and look forward to as many as possible being elected on May 3."

She added: "Highland Council is different from other local authorities as Independent Councillors have very much been to the fore over the last five years, leading strategic committees within the council, making policy and change which has helped the council achieve a balanced budget and save front line services."

She said independent councillors are not constrained by political parties and their policies and are free to do what is best for their communities and the Highlands.

Added Councillor Wilson: "The Highland Council faces many challenges going forward and we feel our group has not only the expertise but the common sense required to face the decisions which will have to be made. We are all local individuals who care passionately about our communities and the people we represent.”

The group has targeted an independent majority after May 3.

Full details of candidates can be found here.

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