Argyll & Bute Council’s Electoral Returning Officer agreed this week that early elections, for up to eight new Community Councillors, will take place in June.

The news comes after weeks of campaigning by local people in Tiree, keen to see a Community Council formed soon.

Normally by-elections (which this will be) are held annually, so one would not have taken place until the end of this year. However, after intensive representations were made to councillors, officials and the Returning Officer, the case for an early election was successfully made.

The news was particularly welcomed by John MacCaskill, who had set the ball rolling with a letter in the Tirisdeach a few weeks ago. “I’m very pleased with this outcome, which is exactly what many of us had hoped for. Ferry and air services, education, roads, coastal erosion, the loss of population and retail outlets are all topical issues in Tiree. A new Community Council won’t find itself short of issues to pursue. I hope that a wide range of candidates with a good variety of skills now put themselves forward at the June elections and start to get Tiree’s voice heard”.