Following the sad passing of Councillor Dougie Philand, Provost of Argyll and Bute, a by-election will take place on Thursday 29 October 2026.
Councillor Philand’s passing leaves a vacancy in the Mid Argyll ward (Ward 3) of Argyll and Bute Council. The ward has an electorate of just under 6,000 people and includes the polling districts of Ardrishaig, Achahoish, Crinan, Tayvallich, Lochgilphead, Inveraray, Furnace, Kilmartin, Ford, Craignish, Kilmichael Glassary and Minard. There are three elected members representing the whole ward and, in this by-election, voters will be asked to elect one councillor.
The formal notice of election will be published on Argyll and Bute Council’s website on Friday 11 September. Candidate nominations will open at 10am on Monday 14 September, closing at 4pm on Monday 28 September. Nomination packs will be available on the council’s website.
If you are interested in becoming a councillor for Ward 3, the council also has a guide on becoming a councillor and dedicated webpages on standing for election. You can also contact the Council’s Elections team on 01546 603264 or email our elections team with any questions.
Only people who are registered to vote in Ward 3, Mid Argyll will be able to vote in this by-election. If you’re not sure whether you’re registered, you can check with the Electoral Registration Office by calling 01586 555300, or by email– they can send you out a registration form if you need one. You can also register online - it’s quick and easy to do. The deadline to register to vote in this by-election is midnight on Tuesday 13 October 2026.
Registered voters also have choices about how they cast their vote. You can vote by post or by proxy, where you appoint someone to cast your vote on your behalf. There are deadlines to apply for postal or proxy votes:
- For new postal votes (including postal proxy votes) applications must be made by 5pm on Wednesday 14 October 2026
- For changes to existing postal or proxy votes, applications must be made by 5pm on Wednesday 15 October 2026
- For new proxy votes (except for emergencies) applications must be made by 5pm on Wednesday 21 October 2026
In all cases, applications should go to the Electoral Registration Office, Kilbrannan House, Bolgam Street, Campbeltown, PA28 6JY, or by email or telephone 01586 555300.
