More candidates please

BY LUNCHTIME on Tuesday there were just 26 candidates for the 22 seats on Scotland’s most northerly authority at the May elections.

Prospective council candidates are being reminded that the closing date for their nominations to be handed in to the election office at 4 Market Street, Lerwick, is 4pm on Thursday.

Returning officer Jan Riise said that there was usually a flurry of nominations handed in at the last minute and some potential candidates are known to be still considering their position.

Only 11 of the current 22 councillors are standing for re-election and there are concerns that in some wards there will be no more than three candidates, denying the electorate the chance to vote.

Nomination packs are still available at the election office or at www.shetland.gov.uk/elections/