Merger with Castletown could resolve extended abeyance of Bower Community Council

Bower could regain its community voice by merging with a neighbouring area.

The suggestion has been mooted to resolve the extended abeyance of Bower Community Council.

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Not enough candidates came forward to contest the last scheduled elections in 2023 and since then several efforts to elicit enough interest have drawn a blank.

Phil Tomalin, community development manager in Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross, said the latest drive attracted three prospective members – one short of the minimum.

Speaking at Wednesday evening's meeting of the Association of Caithness Community Councils, he said it is proving difficult to resolve the impasse.

He said: "We have made a couple of attempts to get things going. I don't know what the problem is. We can't figure it out but there's just not enough interest in getting a community council reinstated there."

One proposal that has come forward is that a new community council is formed covering Castletown and Bower,

Mr Tomalin said: "Mavbe that is the way to go but we haven't spoken to anybody about it yet and any proposal we bring forward would have to go to consultation."

Association chair Alistair Ferrier said a merger is often 'not as easy as it sounds.'

Agreeing with this sentiment, Mr Tomalin welcomed feedback on this or any other proposed solution.

Wick Highland Councillor Jan McEwan said: "It's very disappointing as there are organisations in the area like Bower Young Farmers which are very active."

Association vice chair Henry Gunn said many voluntary organisations have been struggling to retain and attract members.

"Following Covid, a lot of older people left and since then it's been about getting others to take their place."

In the meantime, he advised anyone in Bower to raise local concerns they might have with their nearest community council.

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