Scottish Parliament election results
Results of the Scottish Parliament Election held on 7 May 2026.
Community councils
The role of a community council, how to set one up, elections, how to find your local community council, community councillor support.
Community council elections
We work in partnership with community councils to arrange elections. Community council ordinary elections are held during the month of October at the same frequency as the local government elections.
The last community council elections were held in October 2024. 83 new community councils consisting of a total of 645 community councillors assumed office at 8am on Friday, 4 October 2024.
Vacancies on community councils may arise between ordinary elections. Where the vacancy does not result in the number of elected community councillors falling below the minimum number of permitted elected members, then this vacancy can be filled by holding a casual vacancy election or co-option subject to conditions.
Who can stand for election
To stand for election, you must:
- be 16 years of age or over
- live within the community council area
- be on the current electoral register for that community council area
Current elections
Casual vacancy – Dalton and Carrutherstown Community Council
There is a casual vacancy for 6 community councillors on Dalton and Carrutherstown Community Council.
If more than 6 valid nominations are received a ballot box election will take place on Tuesday 4 August 2026. Voting will be in person only.
To stand for election, you must:
- be aged 16 or over
- live in the Dalton and Carrutherstown area
- be registered to vote in local government elections
Nomination forms must be submitted by 5pm on Tuesday 14 July 2026.
By-election called for Lochside and Woodlands Community Council
A by-election has been called for Lochside and Woodlands Community Council following receipt of a valid community petition with more than 20 signatures.
Completed nomination forms must be submitted by email no later than 5pm on Tuesday 14 July 2026.
The community council has:
- a maximum membership of 14 members
- a minimum membership of 5 members
If more than 14 valid nominations are received, a ballot will be held from 3pm to 7pm on Tuesday 11 August 2026 at Lochside Community Centre, Rankine Avenue, Dumfries. Voting will be in person only, with no postal or proxy voting available.
If between 5 and 14 valid nominations are received, candidates will be elected unopposed and will take office on Wednesday 22 July 2026.
People aged 16 and over who are eligible to vote in local government elections can vote in any ballot, in line with Scottish electoral legislation.
Document
For further information, contact the Returning Officer, Darren Burns, at [email protected].
Casual vacancy – Stoneykirk Community Council
This notice confirms that 4 candidates have been validly nominated for the Community Council. As the number of candidates did not exceed the available places, no election will be held and the candidate will take office at 8am on Tuesday 14 July 2026.
Casual vacancy – Isle of Whithorn Community Council
This notice confirms that 1 candidate has been validly nominated for the Community Council. As the number of candidates did not exceed the available places, no election will be held and the candidate will take office at 8am on Thursday 17 July 2026,
Casual vacancy – Kirkmabreck Community Council
This notice confirms that 4 candidates have been validly nominated for the Community Council. As the number of candidates did not exceed the available places, no election will be held and the candidate will take office at 8am on Tuesday 9 June 2026.
Casual vacancy – Wanlockhead Community Council
This notice confirms that 7 candidates have been validly nominated for the Community Council. As the number of candidates did not exceed the available places, no election will be held and the candidate will take office at 8am on 15 May 2026.
Casual vacancy – Lockerbie and District Community Council
This notice confirms that 2 candidates have been validly nominated for the Community Council. As the number of candidates did not exceed the available places, no election will be held and the candidate will take office at 8am on 14 May 2026.