In Scotland, a community council is a statutory body of local residents who volunteer to act as a voice for their area, representing the community's views and concerns to the governing local authority and other public bodies. They are the most local tier of representation and a key part of local democracy, but are independent of the council. Community councils discuss local issues, such as planning and licensing, hold public meetings, and can undertake projects to benefit their community. They also advocate for and behalf of residents and support local residents to resolve issues.
Fortrose & Rosemarkie Community Council is one of 9 in the Black Isle. Altogether there are over 150 community councils across the whole of the Highland Council region, though not all are currently formed.
FRCC area Community Council governance
In Highland, the governance of community councils is through the Scheme of Establishment for Community Councils, which in turn is based on the model scheme published by the Scottish Government.
As well as defining community councils, this scheme contains the Constitution for each community council, the Standing Orders that apply to how it operates and the Code of Conduct for community councillors. Following a review process, the Scheme was updated and subsequently adopted by Highland Council in October 2025. FRCC formally adopted it in January 2026 - our approved version is here.
FRCC has several sub-committees, which include volunteer residents as well as community councillors. The current sub-committees are:
- Events - which organises our events such as Carols at the Cathedral and St Boniface Fair
- Common Good
- Winter Resilience - which is creating our community's winter resilience plan. This is its remit. Its work is published under Winter Help.
Common Good Fund
As a former Royal Burgh, Fortrose & Rosemarkie had "common good" assets - land and other items - now looked after on our behalf by The Highland Council. You can find out more here.
Becoming a Community Councillor
Community councillors are all volunteers. A key requirement is that members are required to be on the electoral roll and be resident in the Fortrose & Rosemarkie Community Council boundary. The number of members is determined by the numbers of residents on the electoral roll and currently, for our area, 9 members are permitted.
We can also have 2 youth members as community councillors, however instead FRCC has established a Youth Councillors group. This meets with a community councillor regularly to discuss items relevant to them and their views are brought back to our monthly meetings. Our Young Councillors also often volunteer to help with events or other tasks for FRCC.
Where there are vacancies during the term of the council, existing members can co-opt up to 4 new members.
If you would like to know anything further about the work of FRCC or would like to consider being a member, please get in touch with any of the existing members or email us. You can find information about community councils and becoming a community councillor here.