Hundreds step forward to support network of Aberdeenshire community councils

More than 600 people have stepped forward to represent their communities in this year’s Aberdeenshire community council election process. 

For the first time, all of Aberdeenshire’s just under 70 community councils were seeking members at the same time, with the next election due in three years. 

The results for each group can now be found on the Aberdeenshire Council website.

Nominees will be formally elected on Friday, September 20, while two community councils which received more nominations than spaces available will first go to a ballot to determine membership. 

The ballots for these will take place on Thursday, September 19, for both Ballater and Crathie Community Council, and Kemnay Community Council. 

Residents in these communities who are over 16 and registered to vote will be able to cast their votes between 3pm and 8pm in the Victoria Hall, Ballater, and Kemnay Village Hall respectively. 

Where community councils did not manage to receive enough nominations to reach their minimum numbers, a further call for nominations will take place after the October break. Information will be published on the council website at the appropriate time.

And it’s still possible to join a community council where vacancies remain. Anybody interested should contact the secretary concerned. 

Leader of Aberdeenshire Council Cllr Gillian Owen said: “It is heartening to see such a positive response to the call for nominations across Aberdeenshire, particularly in this first year of the new arrangements. 

“We are pleased to see so many returning members, as well as those who have stepped forward for the first time. I’m sure this mix of experience and backgrounds will serve our community councils well over the next three years.” 

Deputy Leader Cllr Anne Stirling said: “Community councils play a vital role in local representation and decision-making processes, and the great response to the election shows that Aberdeenshire residents remain keen to have their voices heard.

“We look forward to continuing our work with community councils across the area and supporting their excellent work to deliver local activities and projects, and to feed back on the development of local services.”

Full information about Aberdeenshire community councils, including how to get involved, can be found at https://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/communities-and-events/community-councils