Inverness council idea rejected by leader
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A SUGGESTION that Inverness should have its own council area, separate from the rest of the Highlands, received short shrift this week.
Caithness, Sutherland and Ross MSP Gail Ross raised the matter at the Scottish Parliament, suggesting to local government minister Aileen Campbell that a division would allow the rest of the Highlands to “get the representation more suited to communities’ unique needs.”
Ms Campbell responded that there were no plans to review council areas, but added that an ongoing local governance review aimed to “re-balance democracy and power” for people and communities.
The leader of Highland Council, Margaret Davidson, was unimpressed with the proposal.
“It is not always you will hear me agree with the Scottish Government, but Aileen Campbell got this absolutely right in saying that there is no call for this at the moment.
“She acknowledged that this would leave about 80 per cent of the population of the region in one council area.
“What we need to do is improve our relationship with communities, and we are doing that.”
She added: “Currently there are eight or nine local area committees to focus on local issues and it would be good if Gail Ross could get behind them.”
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