Monday August 24th 2026
Inverclyde Council headquarters
Written by Glasgow View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Residents are being encouraged to step forward and help shape their local communities as interim elections are held for three Inverclyde community councils.
Interim elections have been called for the following community councils: Greenock West and Cardwell Bay; Larkfield, Braeside, and Branchton; and Port Glasgow East.
It comes after each of the community councils lost members for a variety of reasons which brought them below the required minimum number.
Candidates have until 4pm on Tuesday 8 September 2026 to submit nomination forms.
If there are more candidates than there are vacancies an election will be held.
Any currently co-opted members of the three community councils will need to seek nomination and election in these interim elections should they wish to remain as members of the community council.
Information sessions will be held in each of the community council areas in the coming weeks for anyone who is interested in becoming a community councillor to find out more.
Councillor Paul Cassidy, Inverclyde Council’s community council champion, said: “Community councils play a vital role in local democracy and are the voices of the people and the communities they serve.
“As the third tier of government, community councils provide an important link between local people, Inverclyde Council and national government, helping to identify local issues, share vital information and highlight opportunities for improvement.”
“We’re keen to attract new members and encourage anyone who cares about their local area and wants to make a difference to get involved in these interim elections.”
Inverclyde has 11 community councils in total: Gourock; Greenock Central; Greenock East; Greenock Southwest; Greenock West and Cardwell Bay; Holefarm and Cowdenknowes; Inverkip and Wemyss Bay; Kilmacolm and Quarriers Village; Larkfield, Braeside and Branchton; Port Glasgow East; and Port Glasgow West.
There is currently no community council formed in the Holefarm and Cowdenknowes area.
Councillor Cassidy added: “Community councils across Inverclyde are always looking for enthusiastic people who care about their local area and want to make a difference. If you’re interested in becoming a community councillor and helping shape your community’s future, I’d encourage you to get involved and submit a nomination form.”
Candidates can find out more and register online at www.inverclyde.gov.uk/ccelection and email communities@inverclyde.gov.uk for more information.
Nomination forms are also available from the Inverclyde Council Customer Service Centre at the Municipal Buildings in Greenock during office hours.
Information sessions will also be held as follows:
Greenock West and Cardwell Bay
Monday 24 August from 5-7pm at Gourock Library
Thursday 3 September from 10.30am-1pm at Lyle Gateway
Larkfield, Braeside and Branchton
Tuesday 1 September from 11am-1pm at Branchton Community Centre
Wednesday 2 September from 6.30-8pm at Upper Larkfield Hall
Port Glasgow East
Tuesday 25 August from 1-4pm at Boglestone Community Centre
Tuesday 1 September from 5-7pm at Boglestone Community Centre
To find out more about Inverclyde’s community councils, visit www.inverclyde.gov.uk/communitycouncils.
