Formal notice is hereby given that community council elections will take place on 20th August 2026. Notices of Election calling the election are now available in the section on "official forms and notices" below, as is the Nomination Pack, which contains the relevant forms to stand in the election, along with guidance notes. While the nomination pack can be printed, for anyone unable to print this, or for anyone requiring assistance the receive the document in an alternative format, please contact the Returning Officer, Kilmory, Lochgilphead PA31 8RT, or email us at elections@argyll-bute.gov.uk with your request. Nominations may be lodged with the Returning Officer anytime from Friday 5th June 2026.
The Timetable for the election sets out the key dates to be aware of.
The Nomination period will run from Friday 5th June until Thursday 25th June (closing date). Forms must be lodged with the Returning Officer by no later than 4.00pm on Thursday 25th June 2026.
If you wish to become a community councillor you must be 16, resident within the community council area and be on the Local Government Electoral Register for the community council area you are seeking to join. You can phone us on 01546 603264 or contact us via email elections@argyll-bute.gov.uk to check electoral numbers. The relevant register for these elections is the register published on 1st June 2026.
There is currently provision for 56 Community Councils within Argyll and Bute, covering every geographical area from Cardross in the east to the islands in the west. The Revised Scheme of Community Councils for 2026 which lists the community councils can be located on our Scheme review page - Community Council Review 2026.
Community Councils are voluntary bodies which exist within a statutory framework and which have been granted statutory rights of consultation. The general purpose of a Community Council is to ascertain, co-ordinate an express the wider views of the entire community within its agreed boundaries. They can complement the role of the local authority but are not part of local government. Their role is to ascertain in an active way the views of their communities in terms of local issues, needs and wishes and to convey these views to Argyll and Bute Council.
If you are interested in standing for election, please contact the election office at elections@argyll-bute.gov.uk.
Further information
Timetable
- Register in Force - 1 June 2026
- Publish Notice of Election - 4 June 2026
- Nominations Open - 5 June 2026
- Close of Nominations and last date for withdrawal - 25 June 2026 (4pm)
- Publish Notice of Poll or Uncontested Elections - 2 July 2026
- Issue postal votes - 16 July 2026
- Election day/last day for receipt of postal votes - 20 August 2026 (4pm)
- Count - 21 August 2026
Official Notices and Forms
- Notice of Election - Bute and Cowal
- Notice of Election - Helensburgh and Lomond
- Notice of Election - Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands
- Notice of Election - Oban, Lorn and the Isles
- Nomination Pack
