THREE new members have joined Dunoon Community Council after a full complement of candidates came forward in this years community council elections.
A total of 12 nominations were received before the June 25 deadline, matching the number of available seats. As a result, no election was required and all 12 nominees have been declared elected as community councillors.
The newly elected members are David Clough, Catherine Denman, Ronald Dingwall, Yvonne Love, Thomas McCowan, William Morlan, Eric Owen, Anne Robertson, Gill Robertson, Frauke Thornton, Thomas Warren and Deborah Wright.
Among those joining the council for the first time are Catherine Denman, Ronald Dingwall and William Morlan, while Lindsay McPhail, Paul Graysmark and Abigail Apps have stepped down after serving the community.
Announcing the new line-up, outgoing secretary Tom McCowan welcomed the incoming members and paid tribute to those leaving.
He said: While we say goodbye to three valued members who have chosen to stand down, we are delighted to welcome three new community councillors to the team. We look forward to working with them as they bring fresh ideas, experience and enthusiasm.
Tom also thanked the outgoing members for their service. He said: On behalf of Dunoon Community Council, I would also like to express our sincere thanks to Lindsay McPhail, Paul Graysmark and Abigail Apps for their dedication, commitment and years of service to both the community council and the people of Dunoon. Their contributions have been greatly appreciated, and we wish them every success for the future.
The election also marks a change in the councils administration, with Tom stepping down as secretary after serving in the role for several years. He will remain on the community council as an elected member, while Eric Owen takes over as secretary.
Reflecting on his time in the post, he said: It has been a privilege to serve in that capacity, and I would like to thank my fellow community councillors, our local organisations, Argyll and Bute Council officers, and, most importantly, the residents of Dunoon for their support throughout my time as Secretary.
Although I am stepping down from the Secretarys role, I will continue to serve as an elected community councillor and look forward to supporting the Community Council from the council table while allowing Eric to lead the administration of the Council.
I have every confidence that, under the leadership of our Convener, Gill Robertson, and with Eric Owen as Secretary, Dunoon Community Council will continue to grow, strengthen its engagement with the community, and work tirelessly on behalf of the people of Dunoon.
The newly elected Community Council will now begin its new term, continuing its work representing residents on local issues ranging from transport and planning to community development and public services. Their next meeting will take place at the Queens Hall on Monday, July 13 at 7pm.
