Six candidates will contest the Heldon and Laich by-election next month for a seat on Moray Council.
The vacancy was caused by the resignation in December of SNP councillor Carolle Ralph, after claims she was the victim of a hate-mail and stalking campaign.
Nominations closed at 4pm today with three Independents and one candidate each from the Green, SNP and Tory parties standing.
They are: Pete Bloomfield (Scottish Conservative and Unionist), John Cowe (Independent), Stuart Crowther (Scottish National Party), Jeff Hamilton (Independent), James MacKessack-Leitch (Scottish Green Party) and Nick Traynor (Independent).
The by-election will take place on Thursday, March 7 with the count taking place at Lossiemouth Town Hall the following day.
See Friday’s ‘Northern Scot’ newspaper for more on the story.
