“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 Independent Group and governing administration of Highland Council.
The Black Isle has been my home for almost 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 PS Parent Council and was part of establishing Fortrose and Rosemarkie Trust to prevent the 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.
- 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. We split the Ward by Community Council areas on a rotational basis. This ensures fairness and accountability. Where practical, a local member will either attend parent council meetings in their designated areas and build relationships and contacts with school communities other community groups.
For 2024/2025:
- Avoch & Killen/Fortrose and Rosemarkie, Cllr MacCallum (Morven-May.MacCallum.cllr@highland.gov.uk )
- Ferintosh/Cromarty, Cllr Atkin ( Sarah.Atkin.cllr@highland.gov.uk )
- Killearnan/Knockbain, Cllr Johnston (Lyndsey.Johnston.cllr@highland.gov.uk)
- Resolis: Cllr Johnston/Cllr Atkin (shared)
Note: this system does not apply for individual constituents. Only community issues that arise via Community Councils or other groups. Individual constituents are free to approach the local member of their choice on any matter, regardless of where they live.
- 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.
- MY PLEDGE TO YOU
Emails will be answered. I will always make time to speak by phone or to meet in person, if preferred. I will do my best to accommodate you. We are advised against holding in-person surgeries unless in a public place. This is for our own safety. When evenings are light, I will trial these again. All conversations and correspondence are confidential. Nothing will be shared without your permission.
W/C Monday March 3rd 2025
This is the week we agree council tax and set out our budget and investment plans. Much of the week is taken up with preparing for Thursday's meeting of the full council.
Monday
- Ward Business meeting: an opportunity to raise queries or have general updates with officers. Included on the agenda are school attainment, community transport, roads (longer term strategy) and an update on the community council review consultation.
- Lunchtime/Afternoon: Early Years event.
Tuesday:
- Weekly 8.30am meeting with officers from Housing & Property.
- Budget pre-meet - Independent Group
Wednesday
- Joint Administration Group pre-meet (ahead of budget meeting)
Thursday
- Special Meeting of the Full Council - to set a budget and Council Tax.
Friday
- Catching up with emails.
Saturday
- Heading south for a family wedding on Sunday (with laptop for reading on the train.)
Have a good week!
W/C Monday 10th March
I'm travelling back from the wedding trip on Tuesday March 11th in order to be able to attend the Eden Court Board meetings on Monday March 10th (remotely).
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