Cog Icon signifying link to Admin page

Councillor Sarah Atkin

Highland Independent - Black Isle Ward

 

“As your independent voice, I am here to listen to your concerns and advocate on your behalf."

It is a privilege to represent the Black Isle Ward.  I am one of three Ward Councillors and am a member of the Highland Independent Group and governing administration of Highland Council.

The Black Isle has been my home for over 25 years. Before my election in May 2022, I worked in education and have a background in business, policy and politics. Over the years, I have served on Fortrose and Rosemarkie Community Council (with two years as Chairperson); led Avoch Primary School Parent Council and was part of establishing Rosemarkie and Fortrose Trust to prevent the local public toilets from closing, serving as a Trustee until just after my election. 

This website is here to inform and provide regular updates on my schedule for those who don't use social media.  It's also a way of easily getting in touch.  Thank you for visiting.

MY CAMPAIGN PRIORITIES WERE...

Improved educational attainment, investment in local schools and greater opportunities for the young. Better roads, smarter transport solutions and more transparency. These issues are what I advocate for from within the governing administration and via the work of Strategic Committees.  Housing is also a priority issue for the Black Isle and for the Highlands.

WARD BUSINESS - HOW IT WORKS

Your Ward Councillors work as a team.  We meet monthly (except during recess.)  The Black Isle and Easter Ross Area Committee is a decision-making body and meets quarterly.  

Each community council area has a lead councillor, by rotation.  This ensures fairness and accountability.  Where practical, a local member will also attend parent council meetings in their designated areas and build relationships and contacts with school communities other community groups.  Please note: this system only applies to community business.  Any individual can, of course, contact a local member of their choice on personal matters no matter where they live.  

For 2025/2026 the Ward is covered as follows:

 

MY PLEDGE TO YOU

Emails will be answered.  I will always make time to speak by phone or to meet in person, if preferred.  Rather than surgeries, I organise in-person meets where people ask for them.  I will do my best to accommodate a meeting around your schedule.  We are advised against holding in-person surgeries unless in a public place.  This is for our own safety.  All conversations and correspondence are confidential. Nothing will be shared without your permission.  

THE WEEK AHEAD (w/c January 12 2026)

MONDAY

  • Ward Business 
  • Highland Independent Group meeting (provisional - if Ward business concludes.)

TUESDAY

  • Chair/Vice-Chair/Officers - Housing & Property weekly meeting (working out of HQ).
  •  Joint Administration Group - budget meeting.
  • Community group meeting (evening).

WEDNESDAY

  • Area Committees Review Working Group meeting.
  • Ferintosh Community Council (evening).

THURSDAY 

  • Living Rent (meeting with a representative to listen and learn.) 
  • Member Briefing on domestic abuse services.

FRIDAY

  • Constituent meeting.  Catching up with the Ward/casework.  Also, the papers for next week's meeting of NPAC will have 'dropped' for week-end reading. 

Have a good week! 

Report a problem via this link: 

https://www.highland.gov.uk/report

Keep up with Highland Council via YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/user/thehighlandcouncil

^