Tain and Easter Ross faces by-election after councillor resignation
The Highland Council ward of Tain and Easter Ross will face a by-election following confirmation that councillor Sarah Rawlings has resigned due to ill health.
Elected as a councillor last year, Ms Rawlings confirmed her decision in a statement issued on Tuesday, June 20, citing a continued deterioration in her condition over the past year as a factor.
A representative for Highland Council stated that Ms Rawlings' resignation will be discussed at the next council meeting and that "a timetable will be confirmed for the process to begin to hold a by-election."
The Liberal Democrats member also confirmed that she will step back from her role as champion of Armed Forces and Veterans.
In the statement, she said: “It is with great sadness and disappointment that I have made the decision to resign as a councillor.
"My health has continued to deteriorate over the past year and if I stand any chance of stabilising my condition then I must step away from all commitments and what I cannot do is struggle on at reduced capacity. Those who elected me deserve a fully functioning representative.
"I regret not being able to fulfil the promises I made to those in Tain and Easter Ross and am deeply grateful for the faith put in me when I was elected. I am also extremely sad to have to give up the role of Armed Forces and Veterans champion and was honoured when the council members trusted me with this appointment.
"I would like to sincerely thank the other councillors in Ward 7, Derek Louden, and Alasdair Rhind for supporting me and taking on a greater workload as I struggled with my health.
"I would also like to express my sincere appreciation for all the help and support that I have received from council officers. Thank you all.”
