Crofting Commission Election Attracts 29 Candidates

27th January 2012

There will be a contest in five of the six constituencies within the Crofting Commission electoral area.

A total of 28 candidates will contest the five constituencies of:

· Shetland;

· East Highlands (East Sutherland, Easter Ross, East Inverness and Moray);

· Western Isles;

· West Highlands (West Sutherland, Wester Ross, Skye and Lochalsh); and

· South West Highlands (Lochaber, Argyll and Bute, Arran and Cumbrae, Small Isles).

The contested elections will be under the Alternative Vote system and conducted by Postal Ballot and the returned ballot papers will be counted in Inverness, Town House on Friday 16 March 2012.

Ballot papers will be posted to all eligible electors (aged 16 years and over) in each of the five constituencies where there is a contest and must be returned by 4pm on Thursday 15 March 2012, if they are to be included in the counting of votes.

Votes will be counted electronically using scanners. The successful candidate will be the person that receives 50% + 1 of the valid votes cast. If no one passes the 50% mark at the first round, the candidate with the lowest number of votes is eliminated and their votes are transferred to the candidates ranked second on the ballot papers. This process continues until a candidate passes the 50% mark or where there are only two candidates left; the candidate with the highest number of votes wins the contest.

The candidates are:

Shetland - candidates:

1. Peter Dodge, Aith, Cunningsburgh

2. Kathleen Ann Sinclair, Firva, Scousburgh, Shetland

3. David Irvine Smith, The Beadies, Levenwick, Shetland

4. Marjorie Williamson, Blimister, Burra Isle

East Highlands (East Sutherland, Easter Ross, East Inverness and Moray) - candidates:

1. Marina Theresa Dennis, Inchdrein, Nethy Bridge

2. Peter Humpheys, Davidston Croft, Heights of Fodderty, Strathpeffer

3. Donnie Ross, Strone Croft, Leault, Kincraig, Kingussie

4. William Waugh, 3 Bogbain, Tain

Western Isles - candidates:

1. Malcolm MacLeod Macdonald, 7 Tobson, Bernera

2. Roderick MacDonald, 480/1 North Lochboisdale, South Uist

3. Murdo MacLennan, 5 Aignis, Stornoway

4. Neil MacLennan, "Ard Grean", Castlebay, Isle of Barra

5. Donald Macrury, c/o Hanover, 45 Borve, Isle of Lewis

6. Donald Manford, 29 Eoligarry, Isle of Barra

West Highlands (West Sutherland, Wester Ross, Skye and Lochalsh) - candidates:

1. Jonathan James Hedges, Caravan, 219 Rossal, Rogart

2. John Laing, 5 Dunanellerich, Harlosh, Dunvegan, Isle of Skye

3. I.G. Macdonald, Grianan, 1 Lower Ollach, Braes, Portree, Isle of Skye

4. Kenneth J.B.S. MacLeod, 26 Greenwood Gardens, Milton of Leys, Inverness

5. Finlay John Matheson, Arinackaig, Strathcarron, Ross & Cromarty

6. Rodney Martin Minton, 8 Durnamuck, Dundonnell, By Garve, Ross-shire

7. Sandy Murray, Achumore, Forsinard, Sutherland

8. Russell Smith, Drumbhan, Airdens, Bonar Bridge

9. Yvonne White, 8 Kingsburgh, Snizort, Isle of Skye

South West Highlands (Lochaber, Argyll and Bute, Arran and Cumbrae, Small Isles) - candidates:

1. Donald McKechnie Campbell, Machair, Kilmoluaig, Isle of Tiree, Argyll

2. Robin Currie, 10 Burnside, Bruichladdich, Islay, Argyll

3. Michael Ewen MacDonald Foxley, 2 Achaphubuil, By Fort William

4. Colin Niall Kennedy, Highland Corrie, Arinagour, Isle of Coll, Argyll

5. Billy Neilson, 27 Cruachan Cottages, Taynuilt, Argyll

The uncontested constituency covers Orkney and Caithness. The successful candidate is Arnie Pirie, who will be declared elected on the day of the election.

 

Related Businesses

 

Related Articles

Today : Local Authority

Highland Council's £20 Million Transformation Gamble – What Happens if the Savings Never Arrive?

For most people, council committee papers and audit reports are not the sort of documents that attract much attention.  They are full of technical language, financial terminology and governance structures that can make even the most determined reader give up after a few pages.  

8/6/2026 : Local Authority

Hop on Board: £2 Bus Fares Make Exploring the Highlands Easier Than Ever

£2 Bus Fare Scheme Drives Accessible and Sustainable Travel Across the Highlands With the school holidays approaching, The Highland Council is encouraging residents and visitors to make the most of the £2 single fare cap on its in-house bus services.   The initiative is helping to make public transport more accessible and affordable, particularly for families looking for low-cost ways to travel during the summer months.  

7/6/2026 : Local Authority

Apprenticeship pathways to build a future Highland workforce

Highland Council's education committee members have praised the apprenticeship programmes offering more young people the chance to learn skills and equip them for the world of work.   Foundation Apprenticeships (FAs) and Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) in Highland are growing strongly, with participation now well above national averages.  

6/6/2026 : Local Authority

The slow unravelling of a promise: why the £100 million Thurso schools project may already be drifting into delay

The announcement of a six‑week consultation on the future of Thurso High School should have been a moment of clarity — a sign that after years of discussion, Highland Council was finally ready to move from aspiration to action.  Instead, it has exposed a deeper truth about the state of capital investment in the Highlands - The numbers no longer add up.  

5/6/2026 : Local Authority

New ‘Better Off Calculator’ to support Highland residents and improve financial outcomes

The cost of living continues to place significant pressure on household finances, which affects the affordability of essential goods and services, particularly home energy, food and fuel.   As these pressures persist, access to high‑quality advice, and clear information about the financial help and support available to residents across Highland is more important than ever.  

4/6/2026 : Local Authority

Highland Council agrees to consult on major investment in Thurso schools

Highland Council’s Education Committee has (3 June 2026) agreed to launch a statutory consultation on proposals to transform education provision in Thurso.   The decision marks an important step in shaping future investment in Thurso’s schools, giving pupils, parents, staff and the wider community the opportunity to help influence how modern, high quality education provision is developed for the town.  

3/6/2026 : Local Authority

 
New Access Rangers begin patrols across Highland for the 2026 season

Last week marked the start of patrols for The Highland Council’s 2026 Seasonal Access Rangers team, a dedicated group working to promote responsible enjoyment of the Highlands natural environment.   Funded by The Highland Council, the team will play a key role in supporting visitors and local communities.  

3/6/2026 : Local Authority

Areas of Linguistic Significance - an opportunity to put Highland communities at the heart of Gaelic development

On Wednesday this week (3 June) The Highland Council is aiming to take a major step forward in strengthening its support for Gaelic, recognising the linguistic, educational, historical and cultural connections which exist right across our region.   Highland Council’s Gaelic Committee is to consider a recommendation to adopt a Highland‑wide designation as an Area of Linguistic Significance (ALS) for Gaelic under the Scottish Languages Act 2025.  

2/6/2026 : Local Authority

 
New West Highland Way route offers an improved option into Fort William

Walkers finishing the West Highland Way now have a new, scenic option as they arrive into Fort William Town Centre.   The West Highland Way is internationally recognised as one of the world’s top long-distance walks.  

2/6/2026 : Local Authority

£397, 317 Available for Community Projects in Caithness - Time To Apply

At The Highland Council’s Economy & Infrastructure committee held on 28 May 2026, members agreed the distribution of Highland Coastal Communities Funding (HCCF) allocation across the local area committees.   HCCF funding is allocated to Highland Council from the Scottish Government.