A COUNCILLOR has confirmed he joined the SNP at the start of 2026 – but will continue to serve as an independent councillor.
Mark Irvine was first elected to Argyll and Bute Council’s Lomond North ward in 2022 and has been an independent member ever since.
He is the authority’s policy lead for community planning and corporate services, and from April 2024 until November 2025 was the chair of Helensburgh and Lomond area committee.
Cllr Irvine has said that he will remain an independent councillor, away from party politics, despite his SNP membership.
He told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “I can confirm that in January 2026 I became a paid member of the SNP, as have many thousands of people across Scotland.
“I remain, however, an independent councillor and continue to represent the residents of Lomond North as an independent, free from formal political party control or direction.
“It is not unusual for independent councillors to hold personal membership of a political party while choosing not to stand for election under a party banner.
“I was open during my 2022 election campaign about my personal views, including my belief that Scotland may one day become independent, so my membership should not come as a surprise to those who know me.
“For the avoidance of doubt, my role as a councillor remains unchanged. My priority is – and will continue to be – serving my constituents impartially and independently of party politics.
“I am currently part of the SNP-led administration at Argyll and Bute Council, a position that has been in place since the partnership assumed control in April 2024, and I have worked constructively with colleagues from the SNP and other groups throughout that time.”
Councillor Fiona Howard (Labour, Helensburgh Central) became chair of Helensburgh and Lomond area committee in November.
