New Councillor Peter Corbett speaking of his new role, "It’s in the blood, you see".

Councillor Corbett’s new career began on Friday 7th May when he won the seat of Merkinch in the Highland Council elections. Political veteran, Ali MacLean was beaten into third place by the former Clachnacuddin footballer, who will be carrying on a strong family tradition of fighting on behalf of the people of Merkinch. Dan Corbett, Peter’s late father, was Labour Councillor for the Merkinch ward for over 20 years, until his death 10 years ago. At the time Peter was asked if he would consider standing for the seat, however, he didn’t feel the time was right. Peter has now been at the Clachnacuddin Football Club for the last ten years and it is this that has motivated him into carrying on what his father did before him, "I’ve been here for a long time now and I have seen things and thought action should been taken and I guess that was what I would say was what drove me". Asked what his main criteria will be as Merkinch’s Councillor, Peter says "I will do and act on what the people of the area want, not what I want. There are loads of houses lying empty and the regeneration of the area has to be one of my priorities. We are meeting with tenants associations. The whole idea now is for tenants participation and I think this is a good thing. It’s good that people complain, it’s means that they care about, and are interested in, the place they live."

And to give people a chance to air their grievances, or have a chat, Peter will be holding Surgeries at the Merkinch Community Centre. The Surgery will open the first Monday and the third Monday of each month, between 5pm and 7pm. However, residents will still be able to contact Peter through the Football Club if necessary.