• 12 candidates will stand in the upcoming Council by-election
• Residents have until Tuesday 29 October to make sure they are registered to vote on Thursday 14 November

The candidates standing in the forthcoming Colinton/Fairmilehead Council by-election have been confirmed.

Twelve candidates have been nominated to stand in the by-election, which is due to take place on 14 November.

The candidates standing for election are –

• Bonnie Prince Bob, Independent
• Mev Brown, Independent
• Mairianna Clyde, Scottish National Party (SNP)
• Neil Cuthbert, Scottish Conservative and Unionist
• Sheila Gilmore, Scottish Labour Party
• David Ian Henry, Independent
• Tam Laird, Scottish Libertarian Party
• Grant Lidster, Reform UK
• Richard Crewe Lucas, Scottish Family Party
• Daniel Aleksanteri Milligan, Scottish Greens
• Louise Spence, Scottish Liberal Democrats
• Marc Wilkinson, Independent

Returning Officer for Edinburgh Paul Lawrence said:

With nominations now closed and a month remaining, residents of the Colinton/Fairmilehead ward can start considering who they will vote for in the upcoming by-election. It’s important to make sure you’re registered to vote by 29 October in order to participate.

Councillors play a vital role in our democratic system, making key decisions that impact our city. I encourage as many residents as possible to take part in this by-election.

The election will use the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system, where voters rank candidates in order of preference by assigning numbers rather than just marking a single cross. You can choose to vote for as many or as few candidates as you wish.

Poll cards will be delivered to registered voters in the area from tomorrow (Tuesday 15 October) including further information on when and where to vote.

If you live in the Colinton/Fairmilehead ward you must register to vote by 29 October and anyone wishing to vote by post can sign up for a new postal vote up until 30 October.

You can also apply for someone to vote on your behalf via proxy voting, with the deadline for new proxy vote applications on 6 November (for registered voters).

Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm and will be at:

• Charwood
• Fairmilehead Parish Church Hall
• St. Cuthbert’s Episcopal Church Hall
• Oxgangs Neighbourhood Centre
• Pentland Community Centre

The electronic election count will take place on Friday 15 November starting at 9:30 am.

The by-election follows the resignation of Councillor and former Transport and Environment Convener Scott Arthur, following his election as the MP for Edinburgh South West on 4 July 2024.

Find out more about the Colinton/Fairmilehead by-election on the Council website.