A coalition of LibDem, Conservative and independent councillors are poised to take control of Argyll and Bute Council.
The first meeting of the new council is due to take place on Thursday when the Council Leader and other office bearers will be announced.
Independent Oban-based councillor Kieron Green said: “I can confirm that 21 independent, Conservative and LibDem councillors are in positive discussions about forming the administration of Argyll and Bute Council.”
Ellen Morton, a LibDem who is also Leader of The Argyll Lomond and the Isles Group (Talig), which was in coalition with the Alliance of Independent Councillors in the previous administration, said: “Talig was formed almost four years ago to create a grouping of councillors who could work together in a strong stable environment to deliver the best services for the people of Argyll and Bute, after the chaos in 2013 when two SNP members left and the administration collapsed.
“We focus on working together and concentrate on the day job rather than arguing about national issues.”
Talig included independent, Conservative and LibDem councillors.
A report detailing the composition of the council will be placed before members on Thursday. It that’s that 30%, or 11 councillors are SNP, 28% or 10 are independent, 25% or nine are Conservative and there are six LibDems, which make up 17%.
Decision taken at the meeting will determine the allocation of seats on committees or other bodies of the council.
The newly elected councillors will then set the pay rate of £25,392 for provost and £33,857 for council leader. The provost will also receive civic allowance of £3,000.
Following the election the SNP had tried to form a coalition with LibDem and independent councillors. SNP leader Sandy Taylor said: “We hope they will join together and work in partnership with the SNP group to deliver a new and progressive social democrat coalition.”
Of the newly elected councillors, three have been announced as candidates for Westminster.
The former MP Alan Reid is the LibDem candidate, Gary Mulvaney is Conservative and Aileen Morton is the LibDem candidate for East Renfrewshire.