Residents of the Caol and Mallaig Ward will take to the polling station today to elect the successor to the late Councillor Billy MacLachlan.
Voting opens at 7am and will run right through until 10pm with the single transferrable voting system in place where voters will rank their chosen electives in order of preference. Voters are reminded that postal votes can be handed in right up until the deadline.
Ronald Joseph Campbell (Independent), Alex MacInnes (SNP), Catherine Margaret Mackinnon (Independent), Denis Rixson (Lib Dem), Ian Smith (Conservative) and Colin ‘Woody’ Wood (Independent) will battle it out to become the third council representative for the Caol and Mallaig Ward.
Ward 11 is already served by Independent councillors Allan Henderson and Ben Thompson.
Mr Wood said: “It’s all getting quite exciting. I believe local should represent Lochaber and Lochaber shouldn’t be told how to vote. So many different things define this area – big business and tourism – often the community gets overlooked.”
Mr Campbell hinted towards change if elected stating: “As a bold cage rattler I am not afraid to rattle the cages of those who need it.”
Mr Rixson added: “I am pleased that it has been a decent and respectful campaign. I have enjoyed the feeling of being part of a campaign and it has been nice to see people rally round and support me.”
Ms Mackinnon said: “I’m local, I know the area and have a lot of experience behind me so I think I am well placed to represent. I will respond to their needs as they arise, but voters should vote the way they feel.”
Mr MacInnes spoke of his admiration of his fellow candidates saying: “I have respect for all candidates, they are all good candidates. We come into this one year on since the main council elections so it is bound to be a learning curve and we are aware of the challenges.”
Mr Smith said: “I hope it is a good election. All candidates are worthy of being elected.”
The elected councillor will be announced tomorrow following the count at Bun-Sgoil Ghàidhlig Loch Abar which is scheduled for a 10.30am start.