The future of Fort George barracks and a furious stink over a local sewage works expansion have dominated the discussion in the run-up to Thursday’s Culloden and Ardersier council by-election.
Nine candidates will contest the seat left by Labour stalwart John Ford who died in July at the age of 85.
The event will be decided by the system of single transferable vote and the count will be held on Friday.
Highland Council is currently led by a 32-strong Independent group but minority administration.
The opposition features 19 SNP councillors, 12 Liberal Democrats, seven Labour, six Highland Alliance and three non-aligned members.
IAIN RAMAGE heard from each of the contenders…
Andrew Jarvie (Conservative)
Highland Conservatives’ association secretary Andrew Jarvie, 24, lives in the ward and is also a volunteer youth worker for High Life Highland and LGBT Youth Scotland.
“Residents feel ignored by the council and there’s immense dissatisfaction with the poor condition of the roads,” he said, promising to consult early with residents on key planning issues.
“We’ve secured a £315million city deal but residents are unhappy with what the money is being spent on. Road repairs should take priority over vanity projects,” he said.
Thomas Lamont (Independent)
Inverness-born grandfather Thomas Lamont switched to a career as a financial advisor and mortgage broker after serving with the Army in Northern Ireland and spent the last year of his military service stationed at Fort George before joining Northern Constabulary.
“I have been a taxi driver for six years and, covering every inch of the area I have experience of the disgraceful state of our roads,” he said.
“I’m well versed in the key issues including Fort George’s future and the waste water treatment plant at Ardersier.”
The 53-year-old said he is prepared to speak his mind to stand up for people.
David McGrath (Independent)
As Smithton and Culloden Community Council chairman for a decade, 68-year-old David McGrath has campaigned on a wide range of issues from bus services to Raigmore, to flood risks and new housing developments.
“I’ve also fought for better sporting facilities for the local community and highlighted the issue of the stench emanating from the Allanfearn sewage plant,” he said.
“I’m also well briefed on the issue of Scottish Water’s plans for the Ardersier, which is clearly the wrong facility for servicing thousands more homes at Tornagrain.”
Andrew Mackintosh (Labour)
Service cuts have dominated doorstep debates with constituents for Labour Party case worker Andrew Mackintosh, who works for local MSPs Rhoda Grant and David Stewart.
“Among the priorities I would focus on would be preventing further deterioration of our roads and ensuring potholes are repaired,” said the 62-year-old.
“I believe traffic in residential areas needs to be slowed to improve road safety and far more needs to be done to improve bus services.
“We also need greater transparency in planning and more help for those objecting to a specific development.”
Isla Macleod-O’Reilly (Green)
Organic farmer Isla Macleod-O’Reilly, 36, has a degree in biomedical science and background in life sciences.
The mother-of-three said: “The biggest issue raised by the electorate is a sense of exclusion from the council and their elected representatives. I’d ensure their voice is heard.
“We need to ensure that development around the A96 corridor is sympathetic to the needs of residents.”
That, she said, is evident in the ongoing fight to stop Scottish Water and the council “ruining Ardersier” with a new waste treatment plant.
Duncan Macpherson (Independent)
Family man Duncan Macpherson was born in Fort William but has lived almost half of his 51 years in the Balloch and Culloden area.
He is certain that the council needs the “unity and collaboration that an independent councillor can more easily support.”
He said: “From my years of experience as a general manager in the motor trade, I understand the concerns of local people and businesses.
“I’ve also learned to put others first, by asking how would I like to be treated if I had raised this issue?”
Pauline Munro (SNP)
Keen to return to service as a councillor after having three daughters, Pauline Munro, 40, works as a coordinator with Enable Scotland.
“I’ve spoken with hundreds of constituents to gauge what people are concerned about and urged Scottish Water to publish its full plans for Ardersier. I want a full and open consultation,” she said.
She is adamant that residents shape the ambitious Stratton Farm development and influence the Smithton-Inshes link road and Tornagrain new town.
Her other priorities include a need to review road safety on the B9006 and around local schools, and to improve broadband and mobile phone reception.
Trish Robertson (Liberal Democrat)
Ardersier and Petty Community Council chairwoman Trish Robertson is a fundraiser for the Aberlour Childcare Trust.
Now 58, she studied theology at UHI, graduating in 2011.
“Schools are stretched,” she said. “We need the proposed new primary at Stratton to become more than an idea by having it included in the capital plan.”
She believes a lack of sports facilities has disadvantaged local children.
She wants better access to healthcare and more housing for single, working people.
Citing the Ardersier water plant as an example, she said: “Communities need better access to information about major planning that will impact their lives.”
John Ross (Independent)
Imminent retirement for 65-year-old John Ross will allow him the time to properly serve the community, he said.
He has run a security company for 20 years and lived in the ward since birth.
“It gives me a comprehensive understanding of the issues needing addressed, such as more and better affordable housing and new schools,” he said.
“Social problems must be better addressed. I have concerns about the future of Fort George, Scottish Water’s plans for Ardersier and the A96 dualling which will have a profound effect on much of the area.”
As an independent, he said he would not be bound to any political party or manifesto giving him free reign to serve the community.