Western Isles elections

About half the population of the Western Isles are going to the polls today as two separate elections take place.

Two hopefuls are fighting for a local council seat in the Benbecula and North Uist ward by-election.

Roslyn Macpherson of Balivanich is contesting the seat for the SNP while Andrew Walker of Kyles Flodda is standing as a independent candidate.

The vacancy occurred after Archie Campbell stood down following 16 years as councillor.

Polling stations are open until 10pm tonight.

On Lewis, the Stornoway Trust community landlord has five trustee vacancies.

Around 10,500 people are entitled to vote with nine candidates contesting the election.

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.

Half of the ten elected unpaid trustees stand down every three years from the Stornoway Trust 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.

Island voters go the polls in local elections

26 March 2015