in their council tax bills of 9.5%. That means an annual bill for an average home going up to £1 519. The local council says it’s got a budget gap of £4.5 million and the council tax increase would bring in another £1.5 million.

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‘Local’ council? Tell us more. Like this:

and this:

How competent have these ‘Independent’ councillors been?

Financial and Investment Losses:

In 1991, it lost £35 million in the Bank of Credit and Commerce International collapse, leading to a sharp council tax increase and the convener’s resignation. An independent inquiry followed, but the council eventually recovered a £1.5 million net profit by 2012 due to dividends and exchange rates. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comhairle_nan_Eilean_Siar

Cyber Attacks:

A 2023 ransomware attack disrupted systems, with recovery ongoing into 2025, highlighting vulnerabilities and long-term impacts on services. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cp9knn4dgg2o

Governance and Conduct:

In 2020, the council leader faced a hearing for failing to declare an interest in a relative’s company. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-51744151

A 2022 row erupted over a councillor’s offensive comments about opponents. https://www.thenational.scot/news/19891309.comhairle-nan-eilean-siar-row-erupts-councillor-comments

In 2025, complaints arose over an “unfair” chief executive recruitment process, and funding cuts to creative organizations sparked allegations of fraud, corruption, and inequality breaches. https://www.stornowaygazette.co.uk/business/comhairle-mired-in-unfairness-row-5447436

Representation and Elections:

In 2017, it became Scotland’s only all-male council, drawing criticism for lacking diversity; efforts like workshops led to two women elected in 2022. https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/jan/03/western-isles-scotland-all-male-council-workshop-women

The 2022 election saw some wards with fewer candidates than seats, labeled a “threat to local democracy.” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_Comhairle_nan_Eilean_Siar_election

Budget and Service Issues:

Facing a £4.1 million gap in 2025 and “scandalous” funding statements, it has criticized Scottish Government allocations. https://www.stornowaygazette.co.uk/business/scandalous-statement-on-comhairle-funding-5291651

Concerns over bank closures and service cuts (e.g., bins, HR) reflect broader mismanagement claims. https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/25854015.council-leader-extremely-concerned-island-bank-closure

Its motto, “Ardaichidh Fireantachd Cinneach” (“Righteousness exalteth a nation“), emphasizes moral integrity and community elevation. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comhairle_nan_Eilean_Siar

Is it just me or is that motto not a bit ‘Taliban’ or current government of Iran?

Time for an SNP-led council if only for a bit of pragmatic secularism?

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