SEVERAL community councils across Cowal and Bute have attracted only a handful of candidates following this summer’s nomination process, with none requiring an election.
Community councils across Argyll and Bute were required to re-elect their members this summer, with nominations open throughout most of June.
However, Ardentinny Community Council attracted just three candidates, while Cairndow and Hunters Quay Community Councils received four nominations each.
Every community council in the Bute and Cowal area will now automatically elect its nominated candidates, with no public vote required.
The figures form part of a wider picture across Argyll and Bute, where only one community council attracted more candidates than the number of available seats.
Cove and Kilcreggan Community Council received 23 nominations for 16 places and will be the only community council in the local authority area to hold an election.
Elsewhere, some community councils attracted even fewer candidates than those in Cowal.
West Loch Fyne and Seil and Easdale Community Councils each received only one nomination, while North Knapdale and Lismore Community Councils attracted two candidates apiece.
In Helensburgh and Lomond, Arrochar, Tarbet and Ardlui Community Council had five people nominated.
For all uncontested community councils, the nominated candidates will be declared elected without a poll.
A notice published by Argyll and Bute Council states: “The following candidates remain validly nominated for the above community council area as hereinafter mentioned and, as not more than the required number of candidates remains validly nominated, there will be no poll therein and not later than 11am on the day of the election, the said candidates shall be declared to be elected community councillors.”
The only election will take place in Cove and Kilcreggan, where voting will be conducted by post.
Those eligible to vote will receive postal ballot papers, which must be returned to Argyll and Bute Council’s chief executive by 4pm on Thursday, August 20.
Council chief executive Pippa Milne said: “The persons entitled to vote at these elections are the persons registered in the Register of Electors in force as at June 1, 2026 for the community council area.
“A person whose name is so registered may not vote if the entry in the register gives as the date on which they will attain the age of 16 years as later than the day of the election.
“Electors will be sent a postal ballot paper and will require to return this to me by not later than 4pm on Thursday, August 20 if their votes are to be counted.”
