Could you be a Community Councillor?

With elections for Orkney’s 20 Community Councils now underway,  prospective candidates are being urged to put themselves forward to represent their communities.

The deadline for folk in the county to put themselves is 5pm on Monday, September 4.

Ballot papers listing the candidates will then be issued by post on September 11 to all eligible voters in Orkney, bar those living on some of the islands, with a return date of September 25.

Voters in Eday, Flotta, North Ronaldsay and Papay will be asked to write on their ballot papers the names of the individuals they wish to represent them. Their ballot papers will also be sent out on September 11 and they can list up to seven people.

Results will then be declared on Thursday, September 28.

Head of Executive Support, Karen Greaves, said: “Community Councils play an important role in local democracy by representing local views which can influence decisions in the planning and provision of local services.

“The Community Councils provide an effective, strong voice within each community area, offering sound local advice on a range of community issues. I hope that local people will give some thought to putting themselves forward to represent their communities. “

Nomination forms, except for Eday, Flotta, North Roaldsay and Papay, can be obtained from the Democratic Services team at Orkney Islands Council by phoning 01856 886622 or emailing maureen.spence@orkney.gov.uk. Forms are also available on the Community Council section of the Orkney Islands Council website.