What is the purpose of Community Councils?
Community councils are voluntary bodies run by local residents to act on behalf of its area. Community councillors play an important role in local democracy, bridging the gap between local authorities and communities, raising awareness of the opinions and needs of the communities they represent.
Community councils facilitate activities promoting the well-being of their communities by bringing people together to make things happen. They also advise, influence, and advocate numerous causes and cases of concern on behalf of local communities.
Community councils are governed by the Scheme of Establishment which covers topics including membership rules, elections, and meeting arrangements.
Scheme of Establishment
The Scheme of Establishment details the rules and regulations governing community councils, including elections, membership and conduct at meetings
What are the Roles and responsibilities of Community Council Members?
Roles and responsibilities
Each community council must have a Chairperson, a Treasurer, and a secretary:
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The Chairperson is responsible for ensuring that discussions are productive, run on-time, and that clear action points are set to achieve its priorities
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The Treasurer is responsible for overseeing all financial administration and transactions of the community council. They ensure that the finances are kept health and that the community council does not get into debt
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The Secretary organises meetings, sets the agenda, and keeps minutes and records while ensuring effective communication between members
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Other Roles - Community Councils can also create specific roles in response to areas requiring additional attention, such as a fund-raising Officer, Youth Involvement, or Events Officer
While office bearers are responsible for the efficient and effective operation of the community council, all its members are equally responsible for the community council's decisions and actions.
Responsibilities
Being a community councillor means:
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taking a shared responsibility for the success of the community council and upholding its standards and values
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engaging with a wide range of people to help the community council achieve diverse perspectives and insights
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regularly attending and contributing to meetings and acting in the best interests of the community as a whole
Community councils are also involved in both planning and licensing applications.
Planning
We consult with community councils on applications in their area. They have 14 days to provide comments
If you have any questions, you can contact planning at the Highland Council on the below link.
Licensing
Community councils are notified of any licensing applications in their area. They have 21 days to object, support, or modify applications if you have any questions, you can contact the you can contact licencing at the Highland Council on the below link.
Fort William, Inverlochy and Torlundy
Community Council
Our role in the Community
Fort William, Inverlochy and Torlundy Community Council exists to represent the views and interests of local residents and ensure that the community has a voice in decisions that affect the town.
Representing the Community
The Community Council acts as a link between residents and local authorities, including Highland Council and other public bodies.
We:
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Raise local concerns on behalf of residents
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Respond to consultations and planning applications
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Ensure community views are considered in decision-making
Influencing Local Decisions
We are regularly consulted on issues such as:
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Planning and development proposals
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Transport and road safety
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Housing and infrastructure
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Environmental and public space improvements
Our role is to provide local knowledge and insight, helping shape decisions that impact Fort William.
Supporting Local Issues and Initiatives
The Community Council works to improve everyday life in the area by:
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Highlighting problems with public services (e.g. roads, lighting, waste)
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Supporting community projects and local groups
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Encouraging improvements to the town centre and surrounding areas
Engaging with the Community
We provide a platform where residents can:
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Raise concerns and ask questions
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Stay informed about local developments
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Take part in discussions about the future of Fort William
Meetings are open to the public, and we encourage anyone with an interest in the community to get involved.
Working in Partnership
We work alongside:
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Highland Council
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Police Scotland
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Health services
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Community organisations and local groups
By working together, we aim to achieve the best outcomes for the community.
A Voice for Fort William
At its core, the Community Council exists to ensure that local people are heard, and that decisions affecting Fort William reflect the needs and priorities of those who live here.
