Second and final call for nominations for community councils seeking members

Following the successful recruitment of hundreds of community councillors across Aberdeenshire earlier this year, a second and final call is being issued for just five groups that fell short of minimum numbers. 

Nominations are now open for the following community councils: 

•    Auchterless, Inverkeithny and Fisherford
•    Boddam
•    Buchan East
•    Lumphanan
•    Strathbogie

Nomination forms are available via the Aberdeenshire Council website and must be completed and returned before the close of Monday, November 11. 

Community councils are made up of people of various ages and backgrounds who care about their community and want to make them a better place to live. By volunteering just a few hours a month, community councils are able to lead local projects and represent local views in discussions with Aberdeenshire Council. 

Unfortunately, if there are not enough candidates to meet the minimum numbers to form a community council after a second call, the group concerned will be unable to form, leaving a gap in the representation of local views. 

Leader of Aberdeenshire Council Cllr Gillian Owen said: “We were so pleased with the huge response across Aberdeenshire when we moved to a single community election date earlier this year. 

“We now hope that the five community councils that are still looking for support can secure enough members to continue their good work and further strengthen community voices across the area.”

Deputy Leader Cllr Anne Stirling said: “We have close to 70 community councils who are continuing their great work across Aberdeenshire, with a great mix of experienced members and first-time community councillors.

“It would be a great loss to the five communities if the community councils don’t draw enough members to continue their work, and I would encourage anybody who would like to support local efforts to consider stepping forward to help these remaining groups meet their minimum numbers or more.”

If there are more nominations than places available for any of the community councils, ballots will be held on Thursday, November 21, and results announced the following day following a count of votes. 

Community councillors will be provided with training and support from Aberdeenshire Council.