The Notice of Election for Community Councils has been published today, inviting anyone interested in representing their local community to submit their nomination within the next five weeks.
There are 18 Community Council areas across Shetland. The nomination period is now open today for anyone to represent their local community council area for the four year period from 2025 to 2029.
Anyone who wishes to stand as a Community Councillor must be aged 16 or over, and be on the electoral register for the area they wish to represent. They should be able to commit to attending Community Council meetings every four to six weeks, have an interest in local topics and be enthusiastic about representing the views of their local community.
Nomination papers are now available on the Council website and must be completed and returned by 4pm on Thursday 16 October 2025.
After this date, where there are more nominations than places available in any community council area, a postal ballot will take place. Details will then be sent to electors in these areas from Friday 31 October, with polling completed by 5pm on Thursday 20 November.
Electors and their proxies who wish to have their postal ballot paper sent to a different address must apply to the Electoral Registration Officer by 5pm on Wednesday 22 October 2025. The Electoral Registration Office can be contacted on 01595 745700 or ero@shetland.gov.uk
Ian Walterson, Chair of the Association of Shetland Community Councils, and Chair of Sandness and Walls Community Council, said: “Community councillors across Shetland do an important job on a wide range of issues, from representing local views and concerns, to improving local amenities and providing financial support to local groups and projects.
“You don’t need to have any previous experience or qualifications – just a keen interest in community life and a desire to make your area better. We’d urge folk to consider putting themselves forward to stand for their local community council and to do their bit to help drive positive change.”
The Notice of Election and more details, including nomination forms, are available on Shetland Islands Council's website at: www.shetland.gov.uk/elections-voting/community-council-elections-2025