Elections will be held on Thursday 18 April in the following areas:

• Castlehill and Pittodrie
• City centre
• Danestone
• Mastrick, Sheddocksley and Summerhill.

Aberdeen City Council co-leader, Councillor Christian Allard, said: “As a former Community Council member of many years, I would encourage anyone interested to get involved in their Community Council and help make their local area a better place to live in.”

Community Councils act as a voice for their local area and express the views of their community on a wide range of issues as well as acting as a statutory consultee on planning and licensing matters.

There are no special skills or previous experience required to stand for election, but anyone interested is encouraged to have a keen interest in their local community and be public spirited.

Candidates must be at least 16 years old and be named on the current electoral register for the community council area in which they live in.

The closing date for nominations is Thursday 21 March at 4pm, with the notice of poll or uncontested election being on Monday 1 April.

Where there is a contested election, the polling day will run between 8am and 8pm on Thursday 18 April.

Community Councils meet once a month to discuss concerns in their local area and through public engagement should encourage feedback and involvement from everyone within the community.

This can include consultations, public meetings, and by actively promoting the work of the Community Council as well as working to improve their local communities through fundraising and organising litter picks.

Community Councils were established under the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 and the majority comprises of 12 members, dependent on the size of the population for that location, with each community councillor elected to serve until the next elections which are in October 2024.

Those interested in standing as a Community Councillor and would like more information should contact Karen Finch, community liasion officer at communitycouncils@aberdeencity.gov.uk or telephone 01224 053945.