Just two names have been put forward for election to the board of Sealladh na Beinne Mòire – the community company that owns South Uist Estate – this year.

Longtime board member Stephen MacAulay has been nominated again, alongside Sebastian ‘Ian’ Paterson – General Manager of Carnan Stores – who is standing for the first time.

However, there are currently three vacancies on the board of Sealladh na Beinne Mòire, meaning that the number of nominations received falls short of requirements.

Existing directors Stephen MacAulay and John MacMillan were required to stand down as part of the rolling process that ensures all directors stand down over a period of three years. Hector MacLeod resigned as a director earlier this year.

However, even though only two individuals are nominated for the three vacancies, an election will take place nonetheless.

Sealladh na Beinne Mòire’s Articles of Association require that elected directors must be elected by full members in a secret ballot.

Angus MacMillan, Chairman of Sealladh na Beinne Mòire said: “It is unfortunate that we have only two candidates for the three vacancies. This is the first time we have not had a contest for the important role of director of the community company.

“Sealladh na Beinne Mòire’s board will have to review how we can encourage more people to come forward to participate in this work, and identify how best we can fill the remaining vacancy.”

Completed ballot papers need to be received by Electoral Reform Services no later than Wednesday 8th June for counting. Confirmation of the election will be announced immediately following the completion of the count and presented to the membership at the AGM later in June.

Further information on the process for filling the remaining vacancy will be sent out to members in due course.

Candidates for election and accompanying statements:
 

Nominee – Stephen John MacAulay
Proposer – John Angus O’Henley; Seconder – Alistair MacAulay

“I would firstly like to thank all who supported me throughout my time as a Sealladh na Beinne Mòire director.  I have thoroughly enjoyed the past six years.  During that time, I have had the opportunity to be part of many ambitious projects that have come to fruition.  In particular, Lochcarnan Windfarm, Lochboisdale Harbour and the establishment of the Sealladh na Beinne Mòire Community Fund.

“While the larger projects done to date are a great achievement for our community, I am particularly motivated to improve ongoing issues such as marauding deer, improved drainage and social and economic regeneration across the estate area.

“If re-elected I will continue to work hard with existing and new directors and staff to continue the good work done over the past years on behalf of the local community.”

Nominee – Sebastian Paterson
Proposer – Archie MacLean;  Seconder – Michael J MacDonald
 
“I am standing for election to the Board of Sealladh na Beinne Mòire to offer assistance in shaping and achieving the company’s democratic social and economic vision to realise the community’s right to buy sustainable land development ambitions.

“Whilst not native to South Uist I have had a home here since 1980 and as a crofter and General Manager of Co-Chomunn an Iochdair recognise the importance of ensuring that traditional island occupations are appropriately represented and supported, in conjunction and in balance with innovative enterprises.

“In terms of contributory skills, knowledge and experience to the board, through my career to date I have held senior executive management appointments in the public, private and cooperative enterprise sectors.  I am formally trained, qualified and experienced in a broad range of business disciplines and hold a Master’s degree in Strategic Project Management.  Additionally, I have considerable knowledge of corporate governance, in particular that relating to social enterprises.”