Polls open for North Isles by-election

VOTING has begun in the North Isles council by-election.

The by-election is taking place because only two candidates came forward for the ward’s three seats in May’s local government election.

Polling is taking place between 7am and 10pm today (Thursday), with the results expected by midday on Friday.

Five independent candidates are vying for the vacant seat: Gary Cleaver, Stewart Douglas, Sonia Robertson, Robert Thomson and Marie Williamson.

Once the results come through at Lerwick Town Hall, Shetland Islands Council will have reached its full complement of 23 members.

In May’s election Shetland North was also uncontested, but there were enough candidates to fill the three seats.

The North Isles ward covers Yell, Unst, Fetlar, Whalsay and Skerries. Already returned to the council for the area are Duncan Anderson and Ryan Thomson.

There are six polling stations open today – two in Unst, two in Yell and one each in Fetlar and Whalsay. Postal votes were also available.

Learn more about the candidates on the Shetland News by-election page here.