Stornoway Trust elections

Nine people are contesting an election to choose five new trustees for the Stornoway Trust.

People with the trust area - about 50% of the island’s adult population - are entitled to stand for a seat in the forthcoming elections for the community landlord.

The nominations’ deadline passed earlier this month.

Murdo Murray of Back - the present chairman of the body - is restanding. Broadbay councillor, Donald Crichton and retired headteacher Calum Maclean - both Coll residents - are also hoping to be re-elected.

Other contenders are Colin Maclean, a self-employed builder of Newmarket; Matt Bruce, the chairman of the local Labour Party and Hamish Budge, an education support officer with the council.

Alexander John Murray, of Upper Bayble; Crofting Commission Commissioner Murdo MacLennan of Aignish; and Captain Morris Macleod, Bakers Road, Newmarket, have also thrown their hats into the ring.

Norman Macleod and Zena Stewart are not seeking re-election.

Around 10,500 ballot slips are to be posted out with the return deadline date of 26 March.

Half of the ten elected unpaid trustees stand down every three years from the body which has an annual turnover of about £ 1 million.

It employs around 20 people, is responsible for administrating 1,333 crofts and 60,000 acres of common grazings as well as looking after the woods in the Lews Castle grounds.

Election for Stornoway Trust community landlord

12 March 2015