Independent councillor returns in by-election - Tain and Easter Ross by-election results
29th September 2017
The by-election for a councillor to represent the Tain and Easter Ross Ward on The Highland Council has been won by Alasdair Rhind (Independent) who was one of six candidates who contested the vacancy.
The bi-election was brought about by the resignation of Jamie Stone following his success in the Westminster elections
He joins Councillors Fiona Robertson (Independent) and Derek Louden (SNP) in representing Ward 7 on The Highland Council.
Voting was by the single transferable vote and Alasdair Rhind emerged as the winner at the 3rd stage of the count, gaining a total of 1,290 votes. This increases the number of independents on the council to 30.
The electorate was 7,190 and a total of 2,593 ballots papers were returned giving a turnout of 36.1%. There were 29 spoilt ballot papers.
Following the count which took place this morning at the Duthac Centre in Tain, Cllr Alasdair Rhind said: "I'm delighted to be back to represent the people of Tain and Easter Ross and would like to thank everyone who voted for me and who helped in my campaign. I've had a five month holiday from Highland Council so it is a joy to be back and I look forward to working with Fiona and Derek to the benefit of everyone who lives in our ward."
The Highland Council is made up of 74 elected members. The new representation is Independent 30; Scottish Conservative and Unionist 10; Scottish Green Party 1; Scottish Labour Party 3; Scottish Liberal Democrats 9; Scottish National Party 21.
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