Western Isles community council elections 2011

The Comhairle is seeking nominations for each of the Community Councils within Na H-Eileanan an Iar. Any person whose name appears on the Electoral Register for Na h-Eileanan and Iar and who is resident within the Community Council area to which election is sought may submit a nomination paper, supported by one proposer who must also be on the Electoral Register and be resident within the local Community Council area. Nomination papers are available from the main Council Offices in Stornoway, Tarbert, Benbecula and Castlebay and are also available from the Comhairle’s website.

Community Councils are the most local tier of statutory representation in Scotland and bridge the gap between local authorities and communities, helping to make public bodies aware of the opinions and needs of the communities that they represent. While the primary purpose is to ascertain and express the views of the community many Community Councils involve themselves in a wide range of activities including fundraising, community events and undertaking projects.

Comhairle Chief Executive, Malcolm Burr, said “Community Councils have an important role to play within the democratic process and I would encourage interested persons whose names are on the electoral register to put their names forward for members of community councils. For the first time in 16 and 17 year olds whose names are included in the register will be eligible to seek election. I would encourage all people, especially young people, who have an interest in serving the local Community Council to submit a nomination paper by the close of nominations on 30 August 2011”.

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