Community Council
Community Councils are voluntary organisations set up by statute by the Local Authority and run by local residents to act on behalf of its area.
The general purpose of Community Councils is to act as a voice for their local area. This will involve ascertaining and articulating the views and concerns of local people in their area on a wide range of issues of public concern and making representations to the local authority, other public sector bodies and private agencies.
Community Councils often facilitate a wide range of activities which promote the well-being of their communities. They advise, petition, influence and advocate numerous causes and cases of concern on behalf of local communities.
Tongue, Melness and Skerray Community Council meets on the third Tuesday of every month at 7pm at the Kyle Centre in Tongue and members of the community are welcome to attend.
If there is an issue you would like to see addressed you can also email tmscc@btinternet.com, speak to one of the community councillors or use our Contact form.
Community council elections are held every four years. The next election will be in the Autumn of 2027.
AGM 2026
The Community Council AGM was held on 15th September, although there is still no resolution on the liability concerns. Highland Council have responded to concerns raised by Ardgay and District Community Council with the following: It is for each Community Council to determine whether it wishes to continue to operate and, if Highland Council were to review the current Scheme of Establishment and introduce sanctions as requested, this would leave the Council open to legal challenge. The Council will however be asking the Scottish Government to consider amending the existing legislation and enabling an enforceable Code of Conduct to operate.
At the AGM, there was no change made to the current office bearers.
North and West Sutherland Trust SC046029
- Creag Riabhach wind farm
The community council receives a small budget from Highland Council and manages, along with the North and West Sutherland Trust SC046029, the allocation of monies from the Creag Riabhach wind farm. Applications from community organisations must be submitted at least a week in advance of the next community council meeting to be considered at that meeting. To receive an application form please get in touch via our Contacts Page. More information on what can and cannot be funded can be found here:
Next Meeting
20 October 2026
7pm
Elected Councillors
Chair
Andrew Gunn
Andrew was born and brought up in Melness. He worked for 40 years in the oil industry all over the world as a rig mechanic, subsea and subsea project manager. He has lived in Tongue for 49 years and since his retirement has served as Chair of the Tongue, Melness and Skerray Community Council, on the North West Sutherland Trust and on the Tongue Common Grazings Committee.
Treasurer
Wilma Robertson
Wilma was born and raised in Melness and returned to the area to raise her own family over 30 years ago. Wilma is a board member of UpNorth! Community Development Trust, she works for Melness Crofters Estate and is also one of our local posties.
Secretary
Colin McDonogh
Colin is a retired research chemist who has lived in Tongue for 12 years. Colin is also the Chair of Transport for Tongue Ltd, Treasurer of Strathnaver Museum and Secretary of the North and West Sutherland Trust. Colin represents the community council on the St Andrews Heritage Centre (formerly St Andrews Church) Steering group.
Vice Chair
Marion Milligan
Before retiring in 2020 Marion was the local GP for many years. She is also Chairperson of North Coast Connection and a director of Transport for Tongue Ltd. Marion is also treasurer of the Big Sing Community Choir and the local film club Films Gu Leor. She represents the community council on the board of the North West Highlands Geopark and the steering group of NW2045.
Councillor
Richard Rowe
Councillor
Martin Reid
Councillor
Gary Beresford
Councillor
Michael Simpson