With the upcoming Scottish election, local voters in and around Dingwall have an important opportunity to hear directly from candidates standing for election. Two public hustings events are being held locally, giving residents the chance to understand where candidates stand on key issues affecting our communities.

A hustings is a public meeting where election candidates present their views and answer questions from the audience. These events are an important part of the democratic process, allowing voters to compare candidates, challenge their positions, and make informed decisions at the ballot box.

Hustings are typically chaired by a neutral moderator and may focus on specific themes or cover a broad range of topics, depending on the event.

As mentioned at this month's Community Council meeting there are to upcoming Hustings events in Dingwall.

Energy Focused Hustings – Dingwall Town Hall
Date: Thursday, 23 April 2026
Time: 7:30pm – 9:30pm
Location: Dingwall Town Hall, 1 Church Street, Dingwall, IV15 9SB

This first hustings will focus specifically on energy-related issues that are particularly relevant to Highland communities. Topics expected to be discussed include:

• Energy cost
• Proposals for new power lines and substations
• Onshore wind farm developments
• Battery storage facilities 

Candiates who will be taking part:

• Maree Todd - SNP
• Helen Crawford - Conservative
• Anne Thomas - Scottish Greens
• David Green - Liberal Democrat
• Fergus Ewing - Independent
• Alan Duffy - Liberate Scotland
• John Coupland - Reform
• Still TBC - Labour

The event will be chaired by Ron, Chair of Strathpeffer Community Council, and will provide a focused discussion on how candidates plan to address the growing energy challenges and developments affecting the area.

 

General Hustings – Dingwall British Legion
Date: Tuesday, 28 April 2026
Time: 7:30pm – 9:30pm
Location: Royal British Legion, High Street, Dingwall, IV15 9HL

This second event will take a broader approach, covering all other topics beyond energy. It offers an opportunity for voters to raise questions on a wide range of issues which are important to them outside of those relating to energy. 

Accepted attendees are all candidates invited are standing for Skye Lochaber and Badenoch constituency : though residents from our area in the Caithness Sutherland and Ross. contituancy are welcome to attend.

• Alliance to Liberate Scotland                       Laura Hansler
• Conservative and Unionist                           Helen Crawford
• Labour                                                              Isla McCay
• Reform UK                                                      Jon Whitton
• Scottish Liberal Democrat                           Andrew Baxter
• Scottish National Party                                Eilidh Munro

The hustings will be chaired by Andrew, Chair  or Nigel, Secretary of Dingwall Community Council.

Get Involved
Both events are open to the public and provide a valuable opportunity for residents across the area, including those in surrounding communities such as Strathpeffer and Garve, to engage directly with candidates.

Attending a hustings ensures your voice is heard and helps shape the future of our communities. Whether your priority is energy, local services, or wider national issues, these events are your chance to ask questions and hear answers first-hand.