People across 26 Highland communities are being encouraged to step forward and represent the places where they live as nominations open for a new round of Community Council elections.
The Highland Council is seeking candidates for Community Councils which have fallen into abeyance or where local people have successfully asked for their council to be re established.
Nominations are open until noon on Monday, 7 September, giving residents an opportunity to become directly involved in decisions affecting their own communities.
The areas looking to form Community Councils are Ardersier and Petty, Aviemore, Balintore and Hilton, Balloch, Berriedale and Dunbeath, Cawdor and West Nairnshire, Cradlehall and Westhill, Cromdale and Advie, Culloden, Dalneigh and Columba, Dores and Essich, Fort Augustus and Glenmorriston and Garve and District.
The list continues with Glenfinnan, Hilton, Milton and Castle Heather, Inverness West, Kinlochleven, Knockbain, Kyleakin and Kylerhea, Latheron, Lybster and Clyth, Nether Lochaber, Raigmore, South Knoydart, Strathdearn, Strathnairn and Uig.
Community Councils are voluntary bodies, but their role can carry considerably more weight than the name might suggest.
They provide communities with a recognised voice when dealing with The Highland Council and other public bodies, raising concerns about everything from roads and local services to development and community facilities.
They also have a formal place within the planning process, with The Highland Council required by law to consult the relevant Community Council on planning and licensing applications.
In some areas, Community Councils are responsible for helping distribute community benefit money generated by wind farms, allowing money to be reinvested directly into local projects.
Others have helped establish Community Development Companies capable of taking on larger projects and attracting investment into their areas.
Across the Highlands, Community Councils have become involved in issues including patient transport, dental provision, care services and improvements to the local environment.
None of that happens without people willing to give their time.
Candidates can submit nominations online through The Highland Council’s Community Council election process until noon on 7 September.
The names of those nominated will be published by Tuesday, 8 September, with candidates able to withdraw until noon on Tuesday, 15 September.
A postal ballot will only be required where the number of valid candidates exceeds the available places on an individual Community Council.
The council has also produced a digital toolkit containing information for communities and anyone considering standing.
Community Councils work best when the people around the table actually know the place they are speaking for.
Across 26 Highland communities, there are now seats waiting for people prepared to do exactly that.
