Highland Council confirms candidates for Ward 3 by-election

The Highland Council has confirmed five candidates for the upcoming Ward 3 Wick and East Caithness by-election. The candidates standing are Dave Buchanan (Independent), Julie Calder (Scottish Liberal Democrats), John Glen (Scottish National Party), Charlotte Gibson (Scottish Conservative and Unionist), and Iain Richmond (Reform UK).

Voting is scheduled for Thursday, 1 October 2026, with an electronic count following the next day. Ward 3 is a four-member ward, currently represented by Councillors Raymond Bremner, Andrew Jarvie, and Jan McEwan.

Eligible voters must be over 16 and registered to vote by midnight on 15 September 2026. The council has provided options for in-person, postal, and proxy voting, with deadlines for postal applications set for 16 September and proxy appointments for 23 September 2026.