2022 Highland Council election

Highland Council election

2022 Highland Council election

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| ← 2017 | 5 May 2022 (2022-05-05) | 2027 →

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All 74 seats to The Highland Council
38 seats needed for a majority
Turnout| 47.4%[note 1]
|   | First party  | Second party  | Third party

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SNP

Ind

Leader  | Raymond Bremner | Margaret Davidson[note 2] | Alasdair Christie
Party  | SNP | Independent | Liberal Democrats
Leader's seat  | Wick and East Caithness | Aird and Loch Ness (stood down)  | Inverness Ness-side
Last election  | 22 seats, 24.9% | 28 seats, 36.1% | 10 seats, 12.9%
Seats before  | 19  | 28[note 3] | 11
Seats won  | 22  | 21  | 15
Seat change  |  |  7  |  5
Popular vote  | 25,915  | 22,035  | 16,920
Percentage  | 30.1%  | 25.6%  | 19.7%
Swing  |  5.2%  |  10.5%  |  6.8%

* * *

| Fourth party  | Fifth party  | Sixth party

Con

|  |

Lab

Leader  | Andrew Jarvie  | Chris Ballance | Jimmy Gray
Party  | Conservative | Scottish Green | Labour
Leader's seat  | Wick and East Caithness | Aird and Loch Ness | Inverness Millburn (stood down)
Last election  | 10 seats, 15.7% | 1 seats, 3.1% | 3 seats, 6.9%
Seats before  | 10  | 1  | 3
Seats won  | 10  | 4  | 2
Seat change  |  |  3  |  1
Popular vote  | 12,544  | 3,459  | 4,308
Percentage  | 14.6%  | 4.0%  | 5.0%
Swing  |  1.1%  |  0.9%  |  1.9%

* * *

| Leader before election

Margaret Davidson
(Independent)
No overall control

| Leader after election

Raymond Bremner
(SNP)
No overall control

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Elections to The Highland Council were held on 5 May 2022, the same day as the 31 other Scottish local government elections. As with other Scottish council elections, it was held using single transferable vote (STV) – a form of proportional representation – in which multiple candidates are elected in each ward and voters rank candidates in order of preference.

For the first time, a political party won the most seats in a Highland Council election as the Scottish National Party (SNP) replaced independent councillors as the largest group on the council after winning 22 seats. In total, 21 independents were elected. The Liberal Democrats gained five seats to hold 15 while the Conservatives matched their record-breaking performance at the 2017 election by holding 10 seats. The Greens overtook Labour to become the fifth-largest group on the council after gaining three seats to hold four. Labour lost one seat to hold two.

Following the election, the SNP and independent groups formed a coalition to run the council.

## Background

[edit]

### Previous election

[edit]

Main article: 2017 Highland Council election

At the previous election in 2017, a plurality of councillors returned were independents with 28 elected – seven fewer than the previous election. The Scottish National Party (SNP) were the largest political party elected with 22 seats while the Conservatives won their first seats on the council since 1995 as they gained 10 seats – their best ever result in the region. Both the Liberal Democrats and Labour lost five seats to hold 10 and three respectively while the Greens won their first representation on the council.[1][2]

As a result, the independent group formed a coalition administration with the Labour and Liberal Democrat groups to run the council.[3]

2017 Highland Council election result  Party  | Seats  | Vote share

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| Independent | 28  | 36.1%
| SNP | 22  | 25.0%
| Conservatives | 10  | 15.7%
| Liberal Democrats | 10  | 12.8%
| Labour | 3  | 6.9%
| Green | 1  | 3.1%

Source: [1][2]

### Electoral system

[edit]

The election used the 21 wards created under the Local Governance (Scotland) Act 2004, with 74 councillors being elected. Each ward elected either 3 or 4 members, using the single transferable vote (STV) electoral system – a form of proportional representation – where candidates are ranked in order of preference.[4]

### Composition

[edit]

Since the previous election, there were several changes in the composition of the council. A number were changes to the political affiliation of councillors, including SNP councillors Calum MacLeod, Maxine Smith, Pauline Munro and Liz MacDonald who resigned from the party to become independents[5][6] and independent councillor Donnie Mackay who resigned from the independent administration to join the Conservatives.[7] Independent councillor Andrew Baxter was removed from the independent administration and initially continued under the designation "Real Independent" before joining the Conservatives.[8] SNP councillor Ken Gowans resigned from the party to become an independent in 2017 before subsequently rejoining the party the following year.[9]

In total, nine by-elections were held and resulted in an independent gain from the Liberal Democrats,[10] a Liberal Democrats gain from the SNP,[11] an SNP gain from the Liberal Democrats,[12] an SNP hold,[13] an independent hold,[14] an independent gain from the Conservatives,[15] two Liberal Democrats gains from independents[16] and an SNP gain from the Conservatives.[17] Independent councillor Ben Thompson resigned from the council in November 2021 and Tom Heggie, also an independent councillor, died in February 2022 which left vacancies on the council which would not be filled as they occurred less than six months before the election.[18][19]

| Party  | 2017 result  | Final composition[Note 1]

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| Independents  | 28  | 28[note 3]
| SNP | 22  | 19
| Conservative | 10  | 10
| Liberal Democrats | 10  | 11
| Labour | 3  | 3
| Green | 1  | 1

Notes

1. ^

Note 1: Two vacancies created less than six months before the election were not filled so there were only 72 councillors prior to the poll.

### Retiring councillors

[edit]

Of the 72 sitting councillors before the election, 30 did not stand for re-election. Additionally, four councillors contested different wards from the ones they previously represented. With four sitting councillors defeated at the polls, only 38 sitting councillors were re-elected in 2022.

Ward  | Party  | Retiring councillor

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North, West and Central Sutherland |  | SNP | Kirsteen Currie
| Liberal Democrats | Linda Munro
Thurso and North West Caithness |  | Conservative | Donnie Mackay
Wick and East Caithness |  | Liberal Democrats  | Jill Tilt
East Sutherland and Edderton |  | Labour | Deirdre Mackay
Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh |  | SNP  | Ian Cockburn
Alexander MacInnes
| Conservative  | Derek MacLeod
Cromarty Firth |  | Independent | Mike Finlayson
Carolyn Wilson
Dingwall and Seaforth |  | Independent  | Alister MacKinnon
Black Isle |  | Liberal Democrats  | Gordon Adam
| Independent  | Jennifer Barclay
| SNP  | Craig Fraser
Eilean a' Cheò |  | Independent  | John Gordon
Calum MacLeod
Caol and Mallaig |  | Independent  | Allan Henderson
| Liberal Democrats  | Denis Rixson
Aird and Loch Ness |  | Independent  | Helen Carmichael
Margaret Davidson
Inverness Central |  | Independent  | Janet Campbell
| SNP  | Emma Roddick
Inverness Ness-side |  | Conservative  | Callum Smith
Inverness Millburn |  | Labour  | Jimmy Gray
Culloden and Ardersier |  | Independent  | Roddy Balfour
Nairn and Cawdor |  | Independent  | Liz MacDonald
| Conservative  | Peter Saggers
Inverness South |  | Liberal Democrats  | Carolyn Caddick
Fort William and Ardnamurchan |  | SNP  | Blair Allan
Niall McLean

[2][20]

### Proposed boundary changes

[edit]

Following the passing of the Islands (Scotland) Act 2018, a review of the boundaries was undertaken in North Ayrshire, Argyll and Bute, Highland, Orkney Islands, Shetland Islands and the Western Isles. The Act allowed single- or two-member wards to be created to provide better representation of island communities. New ward boundaries were proposed by Boundaries Scotland in 2021 which would have reduced the number of wards by one to 20 and the number of councillors by one to 73. The proposals would have made no changes to the boundaries or numbers of councillors in Cromarty Firth; Fort William and Ardnamurchan; Nairn and Cawdor and Thurso and North West Caithness. The boundaries in Eilean a' Cheò (Scottish Gaelic for 'Isle of Skye') and North, West and Central Sutherland would have remained the same but the numbers of councillors would have been reduced from four to three and from three to two respectively. Further changes would have seen four new wards created in Inverness, with the total number of councillors representing the city rising from 16 to 18 while Caol and Mallaig would have been renamed Caol, Mallaig and the Small Isles to recognise the island communities within the ward. Boundaries Scotland said the changes would "create more recognisable ward boundaries by Inverness, Tain and Knoydart" and "better align with the historical Caithness–Sutherland county boundary". However, the proposals in Highland were rejected by the Scottish Parliament and the 21 wards created under the Local Governance (Scotland) Act 2004 remained in place.[21][22]

### Candidates

[edit]

The total number of candidates fell from 166 in 2017 to 142. The election again saw the number of independent candidates outstrip the number selected by any political party as 40 stood for election – down from 61 in 2017. However, this was less than half the number which had regularly contested elections in Highland since the local government reforms in the 1990s which peaked at 108 in 2003 – the last election before the introduction of STV.[23] The SNP fielded more candidates than any other political party at 23 – down from the 32 fielded at the previous election – but they did not contest every ward as they had in 2017. Both the Liberal Democrats and Conservatives contested every ward and stood 21 candidates each as they did in 2017. Labour stood 14 candidates – down from 18 – while the Greens stood 11 candidates – up from eight – and the Libertarians stood two candidates – up from one in 2017. The Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition (TUSC) stood a candidate for the first time since 2012. For the first time, the Alba Party (four), the Scottish Family Party (one), the Independence for Scotland Party (ISP) (one) and the Freedom Alliance (one) stood candidates in a Highland election. Neither the Scottish Socialist Party, the United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP) nor the Scottish Christian Party, which had all contested the 2017 elections, stood any candidates.[2][20]

### Uncontested seats

[edit]

After nominations closed on 30 March 2022, there were not enough candidates in Caol and Mallaig to require an election: three candidates stood for the three seats available. As a result, Green candidate Andrew Baldrey, Liberal Democrats candidate John Colin Grafton and Conservative candidate Liz Saggers were elected without a poll. This was one of a number of uncontested wards across Scotland, with a total of 18 councillors automatically elected. Despite their candidate being elected without a poll, the lack of interest in standing for election was called a "threat to local democracy" by the Greens. During the 2017 local elections in Scotland, just three council wards were uncontested, but votes were held in every ward in both 2007 and 2012 – the first elections to use multi-member wards and the Single transferable vote. Public disinterest in standing for election to local councils has been linked to the "ridiculous" size of some local authorities and the low pay councillors receive for their work.[24][25][26]

## Results

[edit]

2022 Highland Council election result  Party  | Seats  | Gains  | Losses  | Net gain/loss  | Seats %  | Votes %  | Votes  | +/−

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| SNP | 22  | 3  | 3  |  | 29.7  | 30.1  | 25,915  |  5.2
| Independent | 21  | 1  | 8  |  7  | 28.3  | 25.6  | 22,035  |  10.5
| Liberal Democrats | 15  | 6  | 1  |  5  | 20.2  | 19.7  | 16,920  |  6.8
| Conservative | 10  | 2  | 2  |  | 13.5  | 14.6  | 12,544  |  1.0
| Scottish Green | 4  | 4  | 1  |  3  | 5.4  | 4.0  | 3,459  |  0.9
| Labour | 2  | 1  | 2  |  1  | 2.7  | 5.0  | 4,308  |  1.9
| Alba | 0  | 0  | 0  |  | 0.0  | 0.6  | 484  | New
| Scottish Family | 0  | 0  | 0  |  | 0.0  | 0.2  | 163  | New
| Scottish Libertarian | 0  | 0  | 0  |  | 0.0  | 0.1  | 71  |  0.1
| Freedom Alliance | 0  | 0  | 0  |  | 0.0  | 0.0  | 48  | New
| TUSC | 0  | 0  | 0  |  | 0.0  | 0.0  | 47  | New
| ISP | 0  | 0  | 0  |  | 0.0  | 0.0  | 46  | New
Total | 74  |  |  |  |  |  | 86,040  |

Source: [20]

Note: Votes are the sum of first preference votes across all council wards. The net gain/loss and percentage changes relate to the result of the previous Scottish local elections on 4 May 2017. This is because STV has an element of proportionality which is not present unless multiple seats are being elected. This may differ from other published sources showing gain/loss relative to seats held at the dissolution of Scotland's councils.[27][28]

### Ward summary

[edit]

Results of the 2022 Highland Council election by ward  Ward  | %  | Cllrs  | %  | Cllrs  | %  | Cllrs  | %  | Cllrs  | %  | Cllrs  | %  | Cllrs  | %  | Cllrs  | Total
Cllrs

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SNP | Independent | Lib Dem | Conservative | Green | Labour | Others
North, West and Central Sutherland | 35.1  | 1  | 17.3  | 1  | 28.1  | 1  | 11.0  | 0  |  | 3.9  | 0  | 4.6  | 0  | 3
Thurso and North West Caithness | 18.4  | 1  | 36.2  | 1  | 27.5  | 1  | 17.9  | 1  |  |  |  | 4
Wick and East Caithness | 25.3  | 1  | 23.3  | 1  | 29.8  | 1  | 15.1  | 1  |  | 6.5  | 0  |  | 4
East Sutherland and Edderton | 26.5  | 1  | 19.0  | 1  | 35.8  | 1  | 17.0  | 0  |  |  | 1.6  | 0  | 3
Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh | 41.1  | 2  | 28.7  | 1  | 12.9  | 0  | 17.3  | 1  |  |  |  | 4
Cromarty Firth | 29.1  | 1  | 29.2  | 2  | 27.9  | 1  | 6.7  | 0  | 2.9  | 0  | 4.2  | 0  |  | 4
Tain and Easter Ross | 30.6  | 1  | 37.3  | 1  | 21.5  | 1  | 10.6  | 0  |  |  |  | 3
Dingwall and Seaforth | 32.2  | 1  | 28.0  | 2  | 16.7  | 1  | 14.0  | 0  | 4.5  | 0  | 4.7  | 0  |  | 4
Black Isle | 24.9  | 1  | 26.3  | 1  | 15.7  | 1  | 14.8  | 0  | 13.3  | 0  | 5.2  | 0  |  | 3
Eilean a' Cheò | 22.6  | 1  | 56.1  | 2  | 3.5  | 0  | 10.7  | 1  |  | 3.5  | 0  | 3.7  | 0  | 4
Caol and Mallaig |  |  | —  | 1  | —  | 1  | —  | 1  |  |  | 3
Aird and Loch Ness | 26.2  | 1  | 31.0  | 1  | 6.6  | 0  | 21.1  | 1  | 10.2  | 1  | 4.9  | 0  |  | 4
Inverness West | 31.2  | 1  | 8.1  | 0  | 34.2  | 1  | 9.3  | 0  | 7.5  | 1  | 8.4  | 0  | 1.3  | 0  | 3
Inverness Central | 41.3  | 2  | 5.1  | 0  | 6.4  | 0  | 12.8  | 0  | 7.5  | 0  | 24.1  | 1  | 2.8  | 0  | 3
Inverness Ness-side | 29.2  | 1  | 5.6  | 0  | 44.5  | 1  | 8.7  | 0  | 5.2  | 0  | 6.4  | 1  | 0.4  | 0  | 3
Inverness Millburn | 40.8  | 1  |  | 23.8  | 1  | 21.6  | 1  |  | 13.9  | 0  |  | 3
Culloden and Ardersier | 37.6  | 1  | 15.9  | 1  | 15.3  | 1  | 17.9  | 0  |  | 10.1  | 0  | 3.3  | 0  | 3
Nairn and Cawdor | 27.2  | 1  | 43.9  | 2  | 10.5  | 0  | 16.2  | 1  |  |  | 2.2  | 0  | 4
Inverness South | 35.2  | 1  | 24.8  | 1  | 8.6  | 1  | 16.9  | 1  | 5.4  | 0  | 7.3  | 0  | 1.9  | 0  | 4
Badenoch and Strathspey | 22.7  | 1  | 38.4  | 2  | 8.8  | 0  | 15.6  | 1  | 10.3  | 0  | 4.2  | 0  |  | 4
Fort William and Ardnamurchan | 33.5  | 1  | 9.3  | 1  | 37.5  | 1  | 10.1  | 0  | 9.6  | 1  |  |  | 4
Total  | 30.1  | 22  | 25.6  | 21  | 19.7  | 15  | 14.6  | 10  | 4.0  | 4  | 5.0  | 2  | 1.0  | 0  | 74

Source: [20]

### Seats changing hands

[edit]

Below is a list of seats which elected a different party or parties from 2017 in order to highlight the change in political composition of the council from the previous election. The list does not include defeated incumbents who resigned or defected from their party and subsequently failed re-election while the party held the seat.

Seats changing hands  Seat  | 2017 | 2022

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Party  | Member  | Party  | Member
Thurso and North West Caithness |  | Independent | Donnie MacKay[Note 1] |  | Liberal Democrats | Ron Gunn
Wick and East Caithness |  | Independent  | Nicola Sinclair  |  | Liberal Democrats  | Jan McEwan
East Sutherland and Edderton |  | Labour | Deirdre MacKay  |  | SNP | Leslie-anne Niven
Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh |  | Liberal Democrats  | Kate Stephen  |  | SNP  | Chris Birt
Cromarty Firth |  | SNP  | Maxine Smith[Note 2] |  | Liberal Democrats  | Molly Nolan
Eilean a' Cheò |  | Independent  | John Gordon  |  | Conservative | Ruraidh Stewart
Caol and Mallaig |  | SNP  | Billy MacLachlan  |  | Green | Andrew Baldrey
| Independent  | Allan Henderson  |  | Liberal Democrats  | John Colin Grafton
Ben Thompson  |  | Conservative  | Liz Saggers
Aird and Loch Ness |  | Independent  | Helen Carmichael  |  | Green  | Chris Ballance
Inverness West |  | Independent  | Graham Ross  |  | Green  | Ryan MacKintosh
Inverness Central |  | Independent  | Janet Campbell  |  | SNP  | Kate MacLean
Inverness Ness-side |  | Conservative  | Callum Smith  |  | Labour  | Andrew MacKintosh
Inverness Millburn |  | Labour  | Jimmy Gray  |  | Liberal Democrats  | David Gregg
Badenoch and Strathspey |  | Green  | Pippa Hadley  |  | Independent  | Russell Jones
Fort William and Ardnamurchan |  | SNP  | Niall McLean  |  | Green  | Kate Willis
| Conservative  | Ian Ramon  |  | Liberal Democrats  | Angus MacDonald

Notes

1. ^

Note 1: In 2017, Donnie MacKay was elected as an independent candidate but later joined the Conservatives.[7]

2. ^

Note 2: In 2017, Cllr Smith was elected as an SNP candidate but later resigned from the party.[6] Now known as Cllr Maxine Morley-Smith, she retained her seat as an independent candidate.

## Ward results

[edit]

### North, West and Central Sutherland

[edit]

The SNP, the Liberal Democrats and independent candidate Hugh Morrison retained the seats they had won at the previous election.

North, West and Central Sutherland \- 3 seats  Party | Candidate | FPv% | Count

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1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6
| SNP | Marianne Hutchison | 35.1  | 968 |   |   |   |   |
| Liberal Democrats | Michael Baird | 28.0  | 773 |   |   |   |   |
| Independent | Hugh Morrison (incumbent)  | 17.3  | 477  | 573  | 594  | 618  | 657  | 714
| Conservative | Charlotte Gibson  | 11.0  | 302  | 309  | 333  | 338  | 354  | 383
| Labour | Clive Soley  | 3.9  | 108  | 164  | 179  | 181  | 197  |
| Scottish Family | Philipp Tanzer | 2.9  | 80  | 92  | 96  | 107  |   |
| Freedom Alliance (UK)  | Robert Alan Jardine  | 1.7  | 48  | 58  | 61  |   |   |
Electorate: 4,998   Valid: 2,756   Spoilt: 32   Quota: 690   Turnout: 55.8%

Source:[29][30]

### Thurso and North West Caithness

[edit]

The SNP, the Conservatives and independent candidate Matthew Reiss retained the seats they had won at the previous election while the Liberal Democrats gained one seat from former independent councillor Donnie MacKay. In 2017, Donnie MacKay was elected as an independent candidate but later joined the Conservatives.[7] He did not stand for re-election.

Thurso and North West Caithness \- 4 seats  Party | Candidate | FPv% | Count

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1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5
| Liberal Democrats | Ron Gunn | 27.5  | 1,411 |   |   |   |
| Independent | Matthew Reiss (incumbent)  | 20.4  | 1,049 |   |   |   |
| SNP | Karl Rosie (incumbent)[note 4] | 18.4  | 947  | 1,004  | 1,007  | 1,008  | 1,056
| Conservative | Struan Mackie (incumbent)  | 17.9  | 921  | 1,044 |   |   |
| Independent | Iain Gregory  | 12.8  | 660  | 765  | 776  | 782  | 869
| Independent | Alexander Glasgow  | 2.9  | 151  | 174  | 175  | 177  |
Electorate: 10,242   Valid: 5,139   Spoilt: 34   Quota: 1,028   Turnout: 50.5%

Source:[33][34]

### Wick and East Caithness

[edit]

The SNP, the Conservatives and independent candidate A. I. Willie MacKay retained the seats they had won at the previous election while the Liberal Democrats gained one seat from independent councillor Nicola Sinclair.

Wick and East Caithness \- 4 seats  Party | Candidate | FPv% | Count

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1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5
| Liberal Democrats | Jan McEwan | 29.8  | 1,245 |   |   |   |
| SNP | Raymond Bremner (incumbent)  | 25.3  | 1,059 |   |   |   |
| Conservative | Andrew Jarvie[note 5] | 15.1  | 632  | 700  | 705  | 755  | 873
| Independent | A. I. Willie MacKay (incumbent)  | 12.8  | 534  | 635  | 699  | 801  | 1,125
| Independent | Bill Fernie  | 10.5  | 438  | 518  | 571  | 669  |
| Labour | Neil MacDonald  | 6.5  | 272  | 347  | 385  |   |
Electorate: 10,103   Valid: 4,180   Spoilt: 45   Quota: 837   Turnout: 41.8%

Source:[35][36]

### East Sutherland and Edderton

[edit]

The Liberal Democrats and independent candidate Jim McGillivray retained the seats they had won at the previous election while the SNP gained one seat from Labour.

East Sutherland and Edderton \- 3 seats  Party | Candidate | FPv% | Count

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1 | 2 | 3 | 4
| Liberal Democrats | Richard Gale (incumbent)  | 35.8  | 1,151 |   |   |
| SNP | Leslie-anne Niven | 26.5  | 853 |   |   |
| Independent | Jim McGillivray (incumbent)  | 19.0  | 611  | 775  | 796  | 834
| Conservative | Max Bannerman  | 17.0  | 546  | 613  | 615  | 635
| Scottish Libertarian | Harry Christian  | 1.6  | 53  | 80  | 84  |
Electorate: 6,446   Valid: 3,214   Spoilt: 39   Quota: 804   Turnout: 50.5%

Source:[37][38]

### Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh

[edit]

The SNP, the Conservatives and independent candidate Biz Campbell retained the seats they had won at the previous election while the SNP also gained a seat from the Liberal Democrats.

Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh \- 4 seats  Party | Candidate | FPv% | Count

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1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5
| Independent | Biz Campbell (incumbent)  | 28.7  | 1,552 |   |   |   |
| SNP | Liz Kraft | 22.8  | 1,234 |   |   |   |
| SNP | Chris Birt | 18.2  | 988  | 1,092 |   |   |
| Conservative | Patrick Logue | 17.3  | 937  | 1,029  | 1,032  | 1,032  | 1,479
| Liberal Democrats | Margot Kerr  | 12.9  | 700  | 882  | 956  | 960  |
Electorate: 10,406   Valid: 5,411   Spoilt: 74   Quota: 1,083   Turnout: 52.7%

Source:[39][40]

### Cromarty Firth

[edit]

The SNP held one of their two seats and the Liberal Democrats gained one seat from the SNP. Independent candidate Pauline Munro also retained the seat she had won at the previous election and their remained two independents after Maxine Morley-Smith was re-elected as an independent candidate. In 2017, Cllr Smith – as she was known at the time – was elected as an SNP candidate and later resigned from the party

Cromarty Firth \- 4 seats  Party | Candidate | FPv% | Count

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1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9
| SNP | Tamala Collier | 29.1  | 1,127 |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |
| Liberal Democrats | Molly Nolan | 27.9  | 1,079 |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |
| Independent | Pauline Munro (incumbent)  | 17.5  | 679  | 749  | 804 |   |   |   |   |   |
| Independent | Maxine Morley-Smith (incumbent)  | 7.3  | 283  | 323  | 355  | 370  | 383  | 446  | 498  | 575  | 705
| Conservative | Andrew Phillip Baxter[note 6] | 6.7  | 261  | 266  | 315  | 315  | 322  | 346  | 350  | 397  |
| Labour | Kirsty Stewart  | 4.2  | 162  | 194  | 238  | 239  | 249  | 267  | 343  |   |
| Independent | Kate Stevenson  | 3.1  | 122  | 135  | 174  | 178  | 192  |   |   |   |
| Scottish Green | Daniel Reat  | 2.9  | 112  | 223  | 243  | 244  | 247  | 260  |   |   |
| Independent | Eric Fraser  | 1.1  | 45  | 54  | 64  | 65  |   |   |   |   |
Electorate: 9,918   Valid: 3,870   Spoilt: 58   Quota: 775   Turnout: 39.6%

Source:[41][42]

### Tain and Easter Ross

[edit]

The SNP and the Liberal Democrats retained the seats they had won at the previous election while independent candidate Alasdair Rhind gained a seat from independent candidate Fiona Robertson. Cllr Rhind was previously elected to represent the ward following a by-election in 2017 triggered by the resignation of former Liberal Democrat councillor Jamie Stone.[10]

Tain and Easter Ross \- 3 seats  Party | Candidate | FPv% | Count

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1 | 2 | 3
| SNP | Derek Louden (incumbent)  | 30.6  | 1,051 |   |
| Liberal Democrats | Sarah Rawlings | 21.5  | 739  | 780  | 922
| Independent | Alasdair Rhind (incumbent)  | 21.1  | 726  | 776  | 876
| Independent | Fiona Robertson (incumbent)  | 16.1  | 554  | 604  | 668
| Conservative | Veronica Morrison  | 10.6  | 364  | 368  |
Electorate: 7,234   Valid: 3,434   Spoilt: 37   Quota: 859   Turnout: 48%

Source:[43][44]

### Dingwall and Seaforth

[edit]

The SNP, the Liberal Democrats and independent candidate Margaret Paterson retained the seats they had won at the previous election while independent candidate Sean Edward Kennedy gained a seat from former independent councillor Alister MacKinnon.

Dingwall and Seaforth \- 4 seats  Party | Candidate | FPv% | Count

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|
|

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7
| SNP | Graham Alexander MacKenzie (incumbent)  | 32.2  | 1,494 |   |   |   |   |   |
| Liberal Democrats | Angela MacLean (incumbent)  | 16.7  | 773  | 853  | 947 |   |   |   |
| Independent | Margaret Paterson (incumbent)  | 15.0  | 698  | 833  | 863  | 871  | 1,033 |   |
| Conservative | Gavin Berkenheger  | 14.0  | 650  | 659  | 688  | 691  | 701  | 715  |
| Independent | Sean Edward Kennedy | 12.9  | 599  | 663  | 694  | 697  | 741  | 790  | 1,136
| Labour | Les Hood  | 4.7  | 216  | 249  |   |   |   |   |
| Scottish Green | Thomas Widrow  | 4.5  | 210  | 366  | 399  | 401  |   |   |
Electorate: 10,385   Valid: 4,640   Spoilt: 60   Quota: 929   Turnout: 45.3%

Source:[45][46]

### Black Isle

[edit]

The SNP and the Liberal Democrats retained the seats they had won at the previous election while independent candidate Sarah Atkin gained a seat from former independent councillor Jennifer Barclay.

Black Isle \- 3 seats  Party | Candidate | FPv% | Count

|
|
|

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8
| SNP | Lyndsey Johnston | 24.9  | 1,171  | 1,199 |   |   |   |   |   |
| Liberal Democrats | Morven-May MacCallum | 15.7  | 739  | 826  | 829  | 869  | 927  | 1,146  | 1,153  | 1,494
| Conservative | Theo Stratton  | 14.7  | 695  | 703  | 703  | 727  | 774  | 789  | 791  |
| Independent | Sarah Atkin | 13.4  | 634  | 660  | 661  | 769  | 947  | 1,195 |   |
| Scottish Green | Anne Thomas  | 13.2  | 624  | 646  | 655  | 682  | 713  |   |   |
| Independent | Okain John McLennan  | 6.7  | 317  | 338  | 339  | 402  |   |   |   |
| Independent | Bev Smith  | 6.1  | 286  | 298  | 298  |   |   |   |   |
| Labour | Margaret Bryant  | 5.1  | 243  |   |   |   |   |   |   |
Electorate: 8,842   Valid: 4,709   Spoilt: 43   Quota: 1,178   Turnout: 53.7%

Source:[47][48]

### Eilean a' Cheò

[edit]

The SNP and independent candidate John Finlayson retained the seats they had won at the previous election while the Conservatives and independent candidate Calum Munro gained seats from former independent councillors John Gordon and Ronald McDonald. Cllr Munro was previously elected to represent the ward following a by-election in 2020 triggered by the resignation of former independent councillor Ronald McDonald.[14]

Eilean a' Cheò \- 4 seats  Party | Candidate | FPv% | Count

|
|
|

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9
| Independent | John Finlayson (incumbent)  | 32.1  | 1,450 |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |
| SNP | Drew Millar | 22.6  | 1,019 |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |
| Independent | Calum Munro (incumbent)  | 12.9  | 583  | 792  | 813  | 838  | 928 |   |   |   |
| Conservative | Ruraidh Stewart | 10.7  | 485  | 521  | 522  | 535  | 538  | 539  | 595  | 654  | 806
| Independent | Fay Thomson  | 5.7  | 258  | 339  | 348  | 372  | 409  | 416  | 464  | 632  |
| Independent | Donald MacDonald  | 5.3  | 240  | 319  | 329  | 342  | 369  | 376  | 429  |   |
| Alba | Hector MacLeod  | 3.7  | 166  | 185  | 208  | 211  |   |   |   |   |
| Liberal Democrats | Jack Clark  | 3.5  | 157  | 188  | 196  | 258  | 271  | 273  |   |   |
| Labour | Peter Ó Donnghaile  | 3.5  | 157  | 180  | 189  |   |   |   |   |   |
Electorate: 8,912   Valid: 4,515   Spoilt: 56   Quota: 904   Turnout: 51.3%

Source:[49][50]

### Caol and Mallaig

[edit]

The Liberal Democrats, the Conservatives and the Greens were elected unopposed. This resulted in gains from the SNP and former independent councillors Allan Henderson and Ben Thompson.

Caol and Mallaig - 3 seats  Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Scottish Green | Andrew Baldrey | Unopposed
| Liberal Democrats | John Colin Grafton | Unopposed
| Conservative | Liz Saggers | Unopposed
Registered electors |  |

Source:[51]

### Aird and Loch Ness

[edit]

The SNP and the Conservatives retained the seats they had won at the previous election while the Greens and independent candidate David Fraser gained seats from independent former councillors Margaret Davidson and Helen Carmichael. Cllr Fraser was previously elected to represent the ward following a by-election in 2021 triggered by the death of former Conservative councillor George Cruikshank.[15]

Aird and Loch Ness \- 4 seats  Party | Candidate | FPv% | Count

|
|
|

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7
| SNP | Emma Knox (incumbent)  | 26.2  | 1,364 |   |   |   |   |   |
| Independent | David Fraser (incumbent)  | 22.7  | 1,182 |   |   |   |   |   |
| Conservative | Helen Crawford | 21.1  | 1,099 |   |   |   |   |   |
| Scottish Green | Chris Ballance | 10.2  | 528  | 706  | 727  | 730  | 783  | 924  | 1,165
| Independent | Aarron Duncan-MacLeod  | 8.3  | 430  | 471  | 535  | 556  | 596  | 774  |
| Liberal Democrats | Holly Kingham  | 6.6  | 342  | 369  | 385  | 398  | 523  |   |
| Labour | Michael Perera  | 4.9  | 253  | 276  | 286  | 291  |   |   |
Electorate: 10,213   Valid: 5,198   Spoilt: 57   Quota: 1,040   Turnout: 51.5%

Source:[52][53]

### Inverness West

[edit]

The Liberal Democrats and the SNP retained the seats they had won at the previous election while the Greens gained a seat from former independent councillor Graham Ross.

Inverness West \- 3 seats  Party | Candidate | FPv% | Count

|
|
|

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9
| Liberal Democrats | Alex Graham (incumbent)  | 34.2  | 1,198 |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |
| SNP | Bill Boyd (incumbent)  | 31.1  | 1,092 |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |
| Conservative | Ryan Forbes  | 9.3  | 327  | 378  | 383  | 384  | 390  | 403  | 454  | 538  |
| Labour | Shaun Alexander Fraser  | 8.4  | 295  | 361  | 389  | 389  | 401  | 409  | 453  |   |
| Scottish Green | Ryan MacKintosh | 7.5  | 262  | 299  | 381  | 385  | 416  | 448  | 483  | 597  | 690
| Independent | Duncan McDonald  | 4.9  | 173  | 226  | 235  | 236  | 247  | 286  |   |   |
| Independent | Helen Smith  | 2.8  | 100  | 121.0  | 126.9  | 130.5  | 137.5  |   |   |   |
| ISP | Iain Forsyth  | 1.31  | 46  | 55  | 96  | 97  |   |   |   |   |
| Independent | David Sansum  | 0.3  | 10  | 15  | 17  |   |   |   |   |   |
Electorate: 8,495   Valid: 3,503   Spoilt: 42   Quota: 876   Turnout: 41.7%

Source:[54][55]

### Inverness Central

[edit]

The SNP and Labour retained the seats they had won at the previous election while the SNP gained a seat from former independent councillor Janet Campbell.

Inverness Central \- 3 seats  Party | Candidate | FPv% | Count

|
|
|

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10
| Labour | Bet McAllister (incumbent)  | 24.1  | 793  | 793  | 805  | 811  | 840 |   |   |   |   |
| SNP | Michael Cameron | 23.4  | 769  | 770  | 772  | 773  | 796  | 797  | 809  | 867 |   |
| SNP | Kate MacLean | 17.9  | 589  | 589  | 591  | 593  | 612  | 614  | 628  | 766  | 807  | 867
| Conservative | Donald MacKenzie  | 12.8  | 420  | 421  | 424  | 437  | 455  | 457  | 510  | 526  | 527  |
| Scottish Green | Arun Sharma  | 7.4  | 245  | 250  | 258  | 262  | 292  | 293  | 347  |   |   |
| Liberal Democrats | Martin Rattray  | 6.4  | 211  | 211  | 212  | 218  | 229  | 234  |   |   |   |
| Independent | Andrew Barnett  | 4.3  | 141  | 152  | 162  | 173  |   |   |   |   |   |
| TUSC | Sean Robertson  | 1.4  | 47  | 47  |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |
| Scottish Family | John William McColl  | 1.3  | 45  | 50  | 54  |   |   |   |   |   |   |
| Independent | Luigi Andrew MacKinnon  | 0.8  | 26  |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |
Electorate: 8,647   Valid: 3,286   Spoilt: 76   Quota: 822   Turnout: 38.9%

Source:[56][57]

### Inverness Ness-side

[edit]

The SNP and the Liberal Democrats retained the seats they had won at the previous election while Labour gained a seat from the Conservatives. In 2017, Ron MacWilliam was elected as an SNP candidate. He stood as an independent candidate in 2022.[20]

Inverness Ness-side \- 3 seats  Party | Candidate | FPv% | Count

|
|
|

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7
| Liberal Democrats | Alasdair Christie (incumbent)  | 44.5  | 1,934 |   |   |   |   |   |
| SNP | Jackie Hendry | 29.2  | 1,270 |   |   |   |   |   |
| Conservative | Ric Scott  | 8.7  | 379  | 562  | 564  | 567  | 574  | 672  |
| Labour | Andrew MacKintosh | 6.3  | 276  | 453  | 482  | 490  | 606  | 782  | 1,016
| Independent | Ron MacWilliam (incumbent)  | 5.6  | 243  | 404  | 424  | 431  | 532  |   |
| Scottish Green | Claire MacLean  | 5.2  | 226  | 320  | 405  | 410  |   |   |
| Scottish Libertarian | Calum Mark Liptrot  | 0.4  | 18  | 29  | 33  |   |   |   |
Electorate: 8,857   Valid: 4,346   Spoilt: 33   Quota: 1,087   Turnout: 49.4%

Source:[58][59]

### Inverness Millburn

[edit]

The SNP and the Conservatives retained the seats they had won at the previous election while the Liberal Democrats gained one seat from Labour.

Inverness Millburn \- 3 seats  Party | Candidate | FPv% | Count

|
|
|

1 | 2 | 3 | 4
| SNP | Ian Brown (incumbent)  | 40.8  | 1,430 |   |   |
| Liberal Democrats | David Gregg | 23.8  | 835  | 1,009 |   |
| Conservative | Isabelle MacKenzie (incumbent)  | 21.6  | 757  | 781  | 818  | 1,101
| Labour | Lewis Whyte  | 13.8  | 486  | 657  | 722  |
Electorate: 7,602   Valid: 3,508   Spoilt: 45   Quota: 878   Turnout: 46.7%

Source:[60][61]

### Culloden and Ardersier

[edit]

The SNP and the Liberal Democrats retained the seats they had won at the previous election while independent candidate Morven Reid gained a seat from former independent councillor Roddy Balfour.

Culloden and Ardersier \- 3 seats  Party | Candidate | FPv% | Count

|
|
|

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6
| SNP | Glynis Campbell-Sinclair (incumbent)  | 37.6  | 1,542 |   |   |   |   |
| Conservative | Mary Scanlon | 17.8  | 732  | 743  | 745  | 753  | 805  |
| Independent | Morven Reid | 15.3  | 626  | 721  | 740  | 831  | 960  | 1,148
| Liberal Democrats | Trish Robertson (incumbent)  | 15.3  | 626  | 693  | 695  | 727  | 931  | 1,298
| Labour | Steven Calvert  | 10.1  | 413  | 505  | 507  | 545  |   |
| Alba | Mya Chemonges-Murzynowska  | 3.3  | 137  | 244  | 245  |   |   |
| Independent | Mel Robertson  | 0.6  | 24  | 31  |   |   |   |
Electorate: 9,107   Valid: 4,100   Spoilt: 40   Quota: 1,026   Turnout: 45.5%

Source:[62][63]

### Nairn and Cawdor

[edit]

The SNP, the Conservatives and independent councillor Laurie Fraser retained the seats they had won at the previous election while independent candidate Michael Green gained a seat previously held by recently deceased independent councillor Tom Heggie.

Nairn and Cawdor \- 4 seats  Party | Candidate | FPv% | Count

|
|
|

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8
| SNP | Paul Oldham | 27.2  | 1,401 |   |   |   |   |   |   |
| Independent | Laurie Fraser (incumbent)  | 23.6  | 1,215 |   |   |   |   |   |   |
| Independent | Michael Green | 16.6  | 857  | 929  | 1,015  | 1,024  | 1,054 |   |   |
| Conservative | Barbara Babs Jarvie | 16.2  | 836  | 840  | 861  | 866  | 872  | 875  | 914  | 1,161
| Liberal Democrats | Kevin James Reid  | 10.5  | 540  | 609  | 631  | 640  | 666  | 671  | 783  |
| Independent | Kevin Brooks  | 3.7  | 192  | 229  | 254  | 263  | 294  | 301  |   |
| Alba | Marjory Smith  | 1.5  | 77  | 142  | 145  | 151  |   |   |   |
| Scottish Family | Cal MacLeod  | 0.7  | 38  | 48  | 50  |   |   |   |   |
Electorate: 10,721   Valid: 5,156   Spoilt: 62   Quota: 1,032   Turnout: 48.7%

Source:[64][65]

### Inverness South

[edit]

The SNP, Liberal Democrats, Conservatives and independent councillor Duncan MacPherson retained they seats they had won at the previous election.

Inverness South \- 4 seats  Party | Candidate | FPv% | Count

|
|
|

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6
| SNP | Ken Gowans (incumbent)  | 35.2  | 1,949 |   |   |   |   |
| Independent | Duncan MacPherson (incumbent)  | 24.8  | 1,375 |   |   |   |   |
| Conservative | Andrew Sinclair[note 7] | 16.9  | 936  | 949  | 1,007  | 1,017  | 1,073  | 1,096
| Liberal Democrats | Colin Aitken[note 8] | 8.6  | 478  | 550  | 618  | 640  | 868  | 1,228
| Labour | David Jardine  | 7.2  | 402  | 502  | 536  | 557  |   |
| Scottish Green | Claire Filer  | 5.4  | 299  | 597  | 628  | 724  | 841  |
| Alba | Jimmy Duncan  | 1.9  | 104  | 216  | 225  |   |   |
Electorate: 12,571   Valid: 5,543   Spoilt: 37   Quota: 1,109   Turnout: 44.4%

Source:[66][67]

### Badenoch and Strathspey

[edit]

The SNP, the Conservatives and independent councillor Bill Lobban retained the seats they had won at the previous election while independent candidate Russell Jones gained a seat from the Greens.

Badenoch and Strathspey \- 4 seats  Party | Candidate | FPv% | Count

|
|
|

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8
| Independent | Russell Jones | 23.1  | 1,280 |   |   |   |   |   |   |
| SNP | Muriel Cockburn (incumbent)  | 16.0  | 886  | 900  | 914  | 1,210 |   |   |   |
| Conservative | John Bruce (incumbent)  | 15.6  | 861  | 878  | 899  | 906  | 907  | 1,043  | 1,051  | 1,217
| Independent | Bill Lobban (incumbent)  | 15.2  | 842  | 895  | 946  | 962  | 978  | 1,133 |   |
| Scottish Green | Pippa Hadley (incumbent)  | 10.3  | 568  | 593  | 624  | 655  | 702  | 850  | 858  |
| Liberal Democrats | Declan Gallacher  | 8.8  | 489  | 503  | 575  | 596  | 605  |   |   |
| SNP | Dave Fallows  | 6.7  | 371  | 381  | 397  |   |   |   |   |
| Labour | Charlie Whelan  | 4.2  | 232  | 241  |   |   |   |   |   |
Electorate: 10,899   Valid: 5,529   Spoilt: 92   Quota: 1,106   Turnout: 51.6%

Source:[68][69]

### Fort William and Ardnamurchan

[edit]

The SNP retained one of the two seats they had won at the previous election while the Liberal Democrats, the Greens and independent candidate Thomas MacLennan gained seats from the SNP, the Conservatives and former independent councillor Andrew Baxter.

Fort William and Ardnamurchan \- 4 seats  Party | Candidate | FPv% | Count

|
|
|

1 | 2 | 3 | 4
| Liberal Democrats | Angus MacDonald | 37.5  | 1,500 |   |   |
| SNP | Sarah Fanet (incumbent)  | 33.5  | 1,341 |   |   |
| Conservative | Fiona Fawcett  | 10.1  | 404  | 551  | 570  |
| Scottish Green | Kate Willis | 9.6  | 385  | 500  | 798  | 837
| Independent | Thomas MacLennan | 9.3  | 373  | 640  | 724  | 1,057
Electorate: 9,021   Valid: 4,003   Spoilt: 53   Quota: 801   Turnout: 45%

Source:[70][71]

## Aftermath

[edit]

For the first time, a political party won the most seats in a Highland Council election.[23] The SNP maintained the 22 seats they had won at the previous election – enough to leapfrog the total number of independent councillors elected which fell from 28 to 21.[20] As a result, the SNP group formed a coalition with independent councillors to run the council. SNP group leader, Cllr Raymond Bremner, was elected as council leader - the first person from Caithness and the first fluent Gaelic speaker to hold the role – while independent group leader Cllr Bill Lobban was elected as convener.[72]

Conservative councillor Andrew Jarvie resigned from the party to sit as an independent in December 2022 following a row over Avonlea Children's Home in Wick. He stated his desire to setup his own unionist political group.[73] Cllr Jarvie and four other independent councillors – namely Cllrs Duncan MacPherson, Maxine Morley-Smith, Matthew Reiss and Jim McGillivray – formed a new political group known as the Highlands Alliance in October 2023.[74]

In February 2024, SNP councillor Karl Rosie resigned from the party to sit as an independent citing the party's "incoherent independence strategy"[31] and Conservative councillor Patrick Logue defected to the Liberal Democrats.[75] Cllr Rosie later joined the Alba Party in March 2024.[32]

### 2023 Tain and Easter Ross by-election

[edit]

Tain and Easter Ross Liberal Democrat councillor Sarah Rawlings resigned in June 2023.[76] A by-election was held on 28 September 2023 with independent Maureen Ross elected.[77] Cllr Ross has joined the Highland Independent grouping on the council.[78]

Tain and Easter Ross by-election (28 September 2023) - 1 seat  Party | Candidate | FPv% | Count

|
|
|

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6
| Independent | Maureen Ross | 41.5  | 1,022  | 1,025  | 1,033  | 1,058  | 1,131  | 1,312
| Liberal Democrats | Charles Stephen  | 24.5  | 603  | 605  | 618  | 644  | 705  | 801
| SNP | Gordon Allison  | 18.8  | 464  | 467  | 491  | 506  | 514  |
| Conservative | Veronica Morrison  | 8.4  | 207  | 210  | 210  | 216  |   |
| Labour | Michael Perera  | 3.6  | 88  | 90  | 96  |   |   |
| Scottish Green | Andrew Barnett  | 2.3  | 56  | 58  |   |   |   |
| Scottish Libertarian | Harry Christian  | 0.9  | 23  |   |   |   |   |
Electorate: 7,226   Valid: 2,463   Spoilt: 25   Quota: 1,232   Turnout: 34.4%

Source:[79][80]

### Inverness South by-election

[edit]

Inverness South Liberal Democrat councillor Colin Aitken resigned in February 2024.[81] A by-election held on 11 April 2024 was won by independent candidate Duncan Cameron McDonald.[82]

Inverness South by-election (11 April 2024) - 1 seat  Party | Candidate | FPv% | Count

|
|
|

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8
| Independent | Duncan Cameron McDonald | 21.9  | 730  | 740  | 768  | 798  | 872  | 1,050  | 1,247  | 1,800
| Liberal Democrats | Jonathan Chartier  | 19.6  | 652  | 658  | 665  | 699  | 834  | 1,065  | 1,235  |
| SNP | Gordon Shanks  | 19.2  | 641  | 647  | 679  | 778  | 830  | 838  |   |
| Conservative | Ryan Forbes  | 16.0  | 533  | 535  | 541  | 551  | 595  |   |   |
| Labour | Ron Stevenson  | 10.9  | 364  | 365  | 370  | 404  |   |   |   |
| Scottish Green | Arun Sharma  | 7.1  | 237  | 237  | 246  |   |   |   |   |
| Alba | Jimmy Duncan  | 3.2  | 107  | 112  |   |   |   |   |   |
| Sovereignty | Andrew Macdonald  | 1.2  | 41  |   |   |   |   |   |   |
Electorate: 12,664   Valid: 3,305   Spoilt: 20   Quota: 1,653   Turnout: 26.3%

Source:[83][84]

### 2024 Tain and Easter Ross by-election

[edit]

A second Tain and Easter Ross by-election of the term was called following the death of independent councillor Alasdair Rhind.[85] The election was held on 13 June 2024 and was won by independent candidate Laura Dundas.[86]

Tain and Easter Ross by-election (13 June 2024) - 1 seat  Party | Candidate | FPv% | Count

|
|
|

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7
| Independent | Laura Dundas | 36.0  | 895  | 898  | 938  | 946  | 997  | 1,179  | 1,582
| SNP | Gordon Allison  | 25.4  | 630  | 636  | 643  | 682  | 689  |   |
| Liberal Democrats | Barbara Cohen  | 25.0  | 621  | 625  | 637  | 668  | 708  | 890  |
| Conservative | Eva Short  | 5.4  | 134  | 135  | 143  | 145  |   |   |
| Scottish Green | Andrew Barnett  | 3.6  | 89  | 94  | 95  |   |   |   |
| Independent | John Shearer  | 3.6  | 89  | 91  |   |   |   |   |
| Scottish Libertarian | Harry Christian  | 1.0  | 25  |   |   |   |   |   |
Electorate: 7,179   Valid: 2,483   Spoilt: 24   Quota: 1,242   Turnout: 34.9%

Source:[87][88]

### September 2024 by-elections

[edit]

In May 2024, Inverness Central councillor Bet McAllister announced her intention to retire after 17 years as a councillor the following month.[89] This was followed by the "surprise resignations" of Cromarty Firth councillors Pauline Munro and Molly Nolan in June 2024.[90] The resulting by-elections were both held on 26 September 2024.[91][92] Labour candidate Michael Gregson won the Inverness Central by-election while Liberal Democrat candidate, John Edmondson, and independent candidate, Sinclair Coghill, were elected in Cromarty Firth.[93][94]

Cromarty Firth by-election (26 September 2024) - 2 seats  Party | Candidate | FPv% | Count

|
|
|

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11
| Liberal Democrats | John Edmondson | 20.3  | 481  | 481  | 493  | 498  | 531  | 544  | 557  | 573  | 641  | 714  | 806
| SNP | Odette MacDonald  | 17.0  | 403  | 404  | 404  | 406  | 417  | 451  | 457  | 498  | 510  | 550  |
| Independent | Sinclair Coghill | 13.7  | 326  | 327  | 334  | 343  | 345  | 353  | 379  | 416  | 512  | 685  | 800
| Independent | Martin Rattray  | 13.6  | 323  | 323  | 332  | 338  | 346  | 350  | 381  | 422  | 491  |   |
| Independent | Richard Cross  | 12.0  | 285  | 285  | 291  | 303  | 305  | 310  | 316  | 341  |   |   |
| Independent | Brideen Godley-MacKenzie  | 6.8  | 162  | 162  | 166  | 170  | 172  | 181  | 193  |   |   |   |
| Independent | Tina McCaffery  | 4.1  | 97  | 98  | 101  | 105  | 107  | 109  |   |   |   |   |
| Scottish Green | Ryan Barrowman  | 3.7  | 89  | 89  | 89  | 90  | 95  |   |   |   |   |   |
| Labour | Michael Perera  | 3.2  | 77  | 77  | 82  | 83  |   |   |   |   |   |   |
| Conservative | Innes Munro  | 2.4  | 57  | 59  |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |
| Reform UK | Kim Jackson  | 2.2  | 52  | 70  | 72  |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |
| Reform UK | Roland Jackson  | 1.0  | 23  |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |
Electorate: 9,932   Valid: 2,375   Spoilt: 45   Quota: 792   Turnout: 24.6%

Source:[95][96]

Inverness Central by-election (26 September 2024) - 1 seat  Party | Candidate | FPv% | Count

|
|
|

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6
| SNP | Martin MacGregor  | 32.1  | 551  | 555  | 619  | 624  | 672  |
| Labour | Michael Gregson | 27.9  | 479  | 481  | 522  | 548  | 688  | 929
| Liberal Democrats | Chris Lewcock  | 16.7  | 286  | 301  | 328  | 409  |   |
| Scottish Green | Andrew Barnett  | 9.2  | 158  | 162  |   |   |   |
| Conservative | Donald MacKenzie  | 8.7  | 150  | 182  | 182  |   |   |
| Reform UK | Iain Richmond  | 5.4  | 93  |   |   |   |   |
Electorate: 8,520   Valid: 1,702   Spoilt: 15   Quota: 859   Turnout: 20.3%

Source:[97][98]

### Fort William and Ardnamurchan by-election

[edit]

Following his successful campaign during the 2024 United Kingdom general election, Fort William and Ardnamurchan councillor Angus MacDonald was elected as MP for Inverness, Skye and West Ross-shire and subsequently resigned his council seat.[99][100] A by-election, held on 21 November 2024 was won by Liberal Democrat candidate Andrew Baxter.[101]

Fort William and Ardnamurchan by-election (21 November 2024) - 1 seat  Party | Candidate | FPv% | Count

|
|
|

| Liberal Democrats | Andrew Baxter | 58.9  | 1,428
| SNP | Rebecca Machin  | 25.5  | 619
| Scottish Green | Marit Behner-Coady  | 6.0  | 146
| Labour | Susan Carstairs  | 4.5  | 109
| Conservative | Fiona Fawcett  | 4.4  | 107
| Scottish Libertarian | Nathan Lumb  | 0.6  | 15
Electorate: 8,985   Valid: 2,424   Spoilt: 25   Quota: 1,213   Turnout: 27.3

Source:[102]

### June 2025 by-elections

[edit]

Two by-elections were held on 19 June 2025 to fill vacancies in the Cromarty Firth and Eilean a' Cheò wards.[103]

Cromarty Firth by-election (19 June 2025) - 1 seat  Party | Candidate | FPv% | Count

|
|
|

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9
| SNP | Odette MacDonald  | 23.8  | 568  | 570  | 584  | 627  | 667  | 709  | 749  | 812  |
| Independent | Richard James Cross | 21.1  | 503  | 512  | 518  | 529  | 544  | 646  | 740  | 986  | 1,211
| Independent | Martin Rattray  | 15.4  | 368  | 374  | 383  | 389  | 393  | 454  | 524  |   |
| Reform UK | Allan Macdonald  | 14.6  | 348  | 356  | 362  | 369  | 372  | 396  |   |   |
| Liberal Democrats | Ross Costigane  | 12.2  | 290  | 298  | 323  | 329  | 349  |   |   |   |
| Scottish Green | Anne Thomas  | 3.9  | 92  | 93  | 98  | 101  |   |   |   |   |
| Alba | Steve Chisolm  | 3.8  | 91  | 92  | 93  |   |   |   |   |   |
| Labour | Michael Robert Perera  | 3.2  | 77  | 79  |   |   |   |   |   |   |
| Conservative | Ryan Forbes  | 2.0  | 48  |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |
Electorate: 9,774   Valid: 2,385   Spoilt: 25   Quota: 1,193   Turnout: 24.7%

Source:[104][105]

Eilean a' Cheò by-election (19 June 2025) - 1 seat  Party | Candidate | FPv% | Count

|
|
|

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8
| Independent | Christine Gillies | 23.5  | 823  | 834  | 846  | 912  | 1,021  | 1,224  | 1,515  | 2,009
| Liberal Democrats | Fay Thomson  | 21.1  | 741  | 765  | 795  | 847  | 902  | 1,023  | 1,228  |
| Independent | Campbell Dickson  | 18.7  | 655  | 658  | 698  | 717  | 775  | 854  |   |
| SNP | Mártainn Mac A'bhàillidh  | 15.0  | 527  | 530  | 536  | 593  | 613  |   |   |
| Independent | Jonathan Macdonald  | 7.9  | 276  | 285  | 301  | 316  |   |   |   |
| Scottish Green | Katy Lawrence  | 6.8  | 239  | 241  | 243  |   |   |   |   |
| Reform UK | John Coupland  | 4.5  | 157  | 169  |   |   |   |   |   |
| Conservative | George Macpherson  | 2.5  | 86  |   |   |   |   |   |   |
Electorate: 8,767   Valid: 3,504   Spoilt: 19   Quota: 1,753   Turnout: 40.2%

Source:[106][107]

## Notes

[edit]

1. ^ Excludes uncontested ward.
2. ^ For the administration group
3. ^ a b 23 in the administration group, 3 Highland Matters, 1 Sutherland Independent, and 1 non-aligned.
4. ^ Cllr Rosie resigned from the SNP in February 2024 to sit as an independent.[31] He later joined the Alba Party.[32]
5. ^ Sitting councillor for Inverness South.
6. ^ Sitting councillor for Fort William and Ardnamurchan.
7. ^ Sitting councillor for Wick and East Caithness.
8. ^ Sitting councillor for Inverness West.

## References

[edit]

1. ^ a b "Highland Council". BBC News. 5 May 2017. Archived from the original on 11 April 2023. Retrieved 25 March 2024.
2. ^ a b c d Teale, Andrew. "Local Elections Archive Project - 2017 - Highland". Retrieved 25 March 2024.
3. ^ "Independent, Lib Dem, Labour coalition to run Highland". BBC News. 10 May 2017. Retrieved 6 April 2022.
4. ^ "Notice of Election". The Highland Council. 14 March 2022. Retrieved 7 April 2022.
5. ^ "Isle of Skye councillor found guilty of abuse charge". West Highland Free Press. 16 March 2018. Archived from the original on 26 March 2018. Retrieved 25 March 2018.
6. ^ a b MacAulay, Susy (17 September 2020). "Three SNP councillors step down from party citing deep divisions within the Highland group". Press and Journal. Retrieved 5 April 2022.
7. ^ a b c "Veteran Highland councillor quits administration to join the Tories". Ross-shire Journal. 16 June 2018. Retrieved 5 April 2022.
8. ^ MacLennan, Scott (3 July 2020). "Highland Council independent group kicks out councillor for being 'too independent'". Inverness Courier. Retrieved 5 April 2022.
9. ^ "Bitter row as SNP councillor resigns from party group". Highland News. 7 September 2017. Archived from the original on 20 September 2017. Retrieved 25 March 2018.
10. ^ a b Henderson, Michelle (30 September 2017). "Alasdair Rhind re-elected for Tain and Easter Ross". Press and Journal. Retrieved 5 April 2022.
11. ^ MacLennan, Scott (7 April 2018). "Liberal Democrat Denis Rixson wins Highland Council by-election". Press and Journal. Retrieved 5 April 2022.
12. ^ MacAulay, Susy (8 December 2018). "SNP notch up victory over Tories in Highland by-election battle". Press and Journal. Retrieved 5 April 2022.
13. ^ MacLennan, Scott (15 November 2019). "SNP candidate Emma Roddick wins Inverness Central ward by-election to become new Highland councillor". Inverness Courier. Retrieved 5 April 2022.
14. ^ a b MacAulay, Susy (13 March 2020). "Calum Munro elected to serve Skye and Raasay as Independent councillor". Press and Journal. Retrieved 5 April 2022.
15. ^ a b MacLennan, Scott (12 March 2021). "Independent candidate David Fraser is elected to represent the vacant Highland Council seat in super-close contest". Ross-shire Journal. Retrieved 5 April 2022.
16. ^ MacLennan, Scott (13 August 2021). "Liberal Democrats delight at winning twin Highland Council by-elections as newly elected Councillor Colin Aitken becomes the second youngest member". Inverness Courier. Retrieved 5 April 2022.
17. ^ Scott, Fiona (7 December 2021). "Sarah is ready to roll out the welcome mat after by-election victory". The Oban Times. Retrieved 5 April 2022.
18. ^ Sinclair, Nicola (27 October 2021). "Lochaber councillor Ben Thompson announces resignation". Press and Journal. Retrieved 5 April 2022.
19. ^ Wilson, Donald (24 February 2022). "Highland Council colleagues pay tribute to 'a man of kindness and courage' Tom Heggie". Ross-shire Journal. Retrieved 5 April 2022.
20. ^ a b c d e f Faulds, Allan. "Highland Council 2022". Ballot Box Scotland. Retrieved 27 March 2024.
21. ^ "2019 Reviews of Electoral Arrangements". Boundaries Scotland. Retrieved 3 January 2022.
22. ^ "Review of Electoral Arrangements The Highland Council Area Final Proposals" (PDF). Boundaries Scotland. May 2021. Retrieved 4 April 2022.
23. ^ a b

* For the result of the 1995 election, see Rallings, Colin; Thrasher, Michael (1995). Local Elections Handbook 1995 (PDF). Plymouth: Local Government Chronicle Elections Centre, University of Plymouth. ISBN 0-948858-19-2. Retrieved 31 March 2024.
* For the result of the 1999 election, see Rallings, Colin; Thrasher, Michael (1999). Local Elections Handbook 1999 (PDF). Plymouth: Local Government Chronicle Elections Centre, University of Plymouth. ISBN 0-948858-25-7. Retrieved 31 March 2024.
* For the result of the 2003 election, see Teale, Andrew. "Local Elections Archive Project - 2003 - Highland". Retrieved 31 March 2024.
* For the result of the 2007 election, see Teale, Andrew. "Local Elections Archive Project - 2007 - Highland". Retrieved 31 March 2024.
* For the result of the 2012 election, see Teale, Andrew. "Local Elections Archive Project - 2012 - Highland". Retrieved 31 March 2024.
* For the result of the 2017 election, see Teale, Andrew. "Local Elections Archive Project - 2017 - Highland". Retrieved 31 March 2024.

24. ^ Bhadani, Anita (31 March 2022). "'Threat to local democracy' as councillors elected without votes". The National. Retrieved 3 April 2022.
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26. ^ Bowie, Justin; Philip, Andy (1 April 2022). "18 councillors are already elected ahead of May vote – here's why you should be alarmed". The Press and Journal. Retrieved 3 April 2022.
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31. ^ a b Hendry, Alan (14 February 2024). "Caithness councillor resigns from SNP after feeling 'increasingly disillusioned'". Northern Times. Retrieved 3 April 2024.
32. ^ a b Hendry, Alan (7 March 2024). "Highland councillor calls for 'meaningful change' as he joins Alba Party". Inverness Courier. Retrieved 3 April 2024.
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45. ^ "2022 local government election results Ward 8 Dingwall and Seaforth Report - declaration of results". Highland Council. 6 May 2022. Retrieved 10 April 2024.
46. ^ "2022 local government election results Ward 8 Dingwall and Seaforth Report - candidates votes per stage". Highland Council. 6 May 2022. Retrieved 10 April 2024.
47. ^ "2022 local government election results Ward 9 Black Isle Report - declaration of results". Highland Council. 6 May 2022. Retrieved 11 April 2024.
48. ^ "2022 local government election results Ward 9 Black Isle Report - candidate votes per stage". Highland Council. 6 May 2022. Retrieved 11 April 2024.
49. ^ "2022 local government election results Ward 10 Eilean a' Cheò Report - declaration of results". Highland Council. 6 May 2022. Retrieved 11 April 2024.
50. ^ "2022 local government election results Ward 10 Eilean a' Cheò Report - transfers". Highland Council. 6 May 2022. Retrieved 11 April 2024.
51. ^ "2022 Local Government elections results". Highland Council. 6 May 2022. Retrieved 11 April 2024.
52. ^ "2022 local government election results Ward 12 Aird and Loch Ness Report - declaration of results". Highland Council. 6 May 2022. Retrieved 11 April 2024.
53. ^ "2022 local government election results Ward 12 Aird and Loch Ness Report - candidates votes per stage". Highland Council. 6 May 2022. Retrieved 11 April 2024.
54. ^ "2022 local government election results Ward 13 Inverness West - declaration of results". Highland Council. 6 May 2022. Retrieved 3 May 2024.
55. ^ "2022 local government election results Ward 13 Inverness West - candidates votes per stage". Highland Council. 6 May 2022. Retrieved 3 May 2024.
56. ^ "2022 local government election results Ward 14 Inverness Central - declaration of results". Highland Council. 6 May 2022. Retrieved 3 May 2024.
57. ^ "2022 local government election results Ward 14 Inverness Central - candidates votes per stage". Highland Council. 6 May 2022. Retrieved 3 May 2024.
58. ^ "2022 local government election results Ward 15 Inverness Ness-side - declaration of results". Highland Council. 6 May 2022. Retrieved 9 May 2024.
59. ^ "2022 local government election results Ward 15 Inverness Ness-side - candidates votes per stage". Highland Council. 6 May 2022. Retrieved 9 May 2024.
60. ^ "2022 local government election results Ward 16 Inverness Millburn - declaration of results". Highland Council. 6 May 2022. Retrieved 9 May 2024.
61. ^ "2022 local government election results Ward 16 Inverness Millburn - candidates votes per stage". Highland Council. 6 May 2022. Retrieved 9 May 2024.
62. ^ "2022 local government election results Ward 17 Culloden and Ardersier - declaration of results". Highland Council. 6 May 2022. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
63. ^ "2022 local government election results Ward 17 Culloden and Ardersier - candidates votes per stage". Highland Council. 6 May 2022. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
64. ^ "2022 local government election results Ward 18 Nairn and Cawdor - declaration of results". Highland Council. 6 May 2022. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
65. ^ "2022 local government election results Ward 18 Nairn and Cawdor - candidates votes per stage". Highland Council. 6 May 2022. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
66. ^ "2022 local government election results Ward 19 Inverness South - declaration of results". Highland Council. 6 May 2022. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
67. ^ "2022 local government election results Ward 19 Inverness South - candidates votes per stage". Highland Council. 6 May 2022. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
68. ^ "2022 local government election results Ward 20 Badenoch and Strathspey - declaration of results". Highland Council. 6 May 2022. Retrieved 14 May 2024.
69. ^ "2022 local government election results Ward 20 Badenoch and Strathspey - candidates votes per stage". Highland Council. 6 May 2022. Retrieved 14 May 2024.
70. ^ "2022 local government election results Ward 21 Fort William and Ardnamurchan - declaration of results". Highland Council. 6 May 2022. Retrieved 14 May 2024.
71. ^ "2022 local government election results Ward 21 Fort William and Ardnamurchan - candidates votes per stage". Highland Council. 6 May 2022. Retrieved 14 May 2024.
72. ^ "SNP-independent coalition control Highland Council". BBC. 26 May 2022. Retrieved 31 March 2024.
73. ^ MacLennan, Scott (25 October 2023). "New political group at Highland Council aims to put constituents 'first and foremost'". Strathspey and Badenoch Herald. Retrieved 17 May 2024.
74. ^ MacLennan, Scott (14 December 2022). "Councillor Andrew Jarvie quits Conservative group over Wick care home row". John O'Groat Journal and Caithness Courier. Retrieved 17 May 2024.
75. ^ MacLennan, Scott (26 February 2024). "LibDems at Highland Council get a boost as Patrick Logue joins the group". Ross-shire Journal. Retrieved 17 May 2024.
76. ^ "Resignation of Ross-shire councillor in Tain ward triggers by-election timetable". Ross-shire Journal. Retrieved 7 October 2023.
77. ^ "The Highland Council By-Election Election of Councillor Ward 7 – Tain and Easter Ross". The Highland Council. Retrieved 2 September 2023.
78. ^ "Councillors". The Highland Council. Retrieved 7 October 2023.
79. ^ "Ward 7 (Tain and Easter Ross) By-Election Results 2023 - Declaration of result". Highland Council. 29 September 2023. Retrieved 14 May 2024.
80. ^ "Ward 7 (Tain and Easter Ross) By-Election Results 2023 - Candidates votes per stage". Highland Council. 29 September 2023. Retrieved 14 May 2024.
81. ^ MacLennon, Scott (12 February 2024). "Inverness South Liberal Democrat Councillor Colin Aitken resigns from Highland Council". Inverness Courier. Retrieved 12 April 2024.
82. ^ Brawn, Steph (12 April 2024). "Independent wins seat from LibDems in Inverness by-election". The National. Retrieved 21 July 2024.
83. ^ "Ward 19 (Inverness South) By-Election Results 2024 Candidate_Votes_Per_Stage_Report_Ward-19". Highland Council. 12 April 2024. Retrieved 12 April 2024.
84. ^ "Ward 19 (Inverness South) By-Election Results 2024 Declaration_Of_Results_Report_Ward 19". Highland Council. 12 April 2024. Retrieved 12 April 2024.
85. ^ Murray, Philip (4 April 2024). "'Heartbreaking': Tributes flood in following sudden death of popular Highland councillor Alasdair Rhind". Ross-shire Journal. Retrieved 21 July 2024.
86. ^ White, Gregor (14 June 2024). "Tain and Easter Ross by-election result". Ross-shire Journal. Retrieved 21 July 2024.
87. ^ "Ward 7 - Tain and Easter Ross By-Election Results June 2024 - Declaration of result". Highland Council. 14 June 2024. Retrieved 21 July 2024.
88. ^ "Ward 7 - Tain and Easter Ross By-Election Results June 2024 - Candidates votes per stage". Highland Council. 14 June 2024. Retrieved 21 July 2024.
89. ^ MacLennan, Scott (2 May 2024). "Inverness Central Councillor Bet McAllister to retire in June after 17 years". Inverness Courier. Retrieved 10 September 2024.
90. ^ MacLennan, Scott (20 June 2024). "Surprise resignations looming of two Highland councillors". Ross-shire Journal. Retrieved 10 September 2024.
91. ^ MacKenzie, Hector (13 August 2024). "Cromarty Firth ward by-election details revealed by Highland Council after resignations". Ross-shire Journal. Retrieved 10 September 2024.
92. ^ Sweeney, Val (19 August 2024). "SNP names Royal Mail worker as candidate in Inverness Central by-election". Inverness Courier. Retrieved 10 September 2024.
93. ^ Ferguson, Alasdair (27 September 2024). "Inverness: : Labour hold seat in Highland Council election". The National. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
94. ^ Walker, James (27 September 2024). "Cromarty Firth: LibDem and independent councillors win in by-election". The National. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
95. ^ "Declaration of Results Report Ward 6 Cromarty Firth". Highland Council. 27 September 2024. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
96. ^ "Candidate Votes Per Stage Report Ward 6 Cromarty Firth". Highland Council. 27 September 2024. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
97. ^ "Declaration of Results Report Ward 14 Inverness Central". Highland Council. 27 September 2024. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
98. ^ "Candidates Votes Per Stage Report Ward 14 Inverness Central". Highland Council. 27 September 2024. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
99. ^ Clark, John-Paul (6 July 2024). "Lib Dems defeat SNP in Inverness, Skye and West Ross-shire for final seat in the General Election". Daily Record. Retrieved 29 September 2024.
100. ^ "Former councillor says he's 'ready to stand up for Lochaber' ahead of by-election". West Coast Today. 23 September 2024. Retrieved 29 September 2024.
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105. ^ "Ward 6 - Cromarty Firth Results 2025 Candidate Votes Per Stage Report". The Highland Council. Retrieved 21 June 2025.
106. ^ "Ward 10 – Eilean a' Cheò Results 2025 Declaration Of Results Report". The Highland Council. Retrieved 21 June 2025.
107. ^ "Ward 10 – Eilean a' Cheò Results 2025 Candidate Votes Per Stage Report". The Highland Council. Retrieved 21 June 2025.

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*[FPv%]: First preference votes percentage
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