1. Decision on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to take item 3 in private.

2. Electoral Arrangements Regulations:

The Committee took evidence from—

Karen Greaves , Head of Executive Support, Orkney Islands Council ;

Maggie Sandison, Chief Executive, Shetland Islands Council ;

and then from—

Douglas Hendry, Executive Director, Argyll and Bute Council ;

Councillor Margaret Davidson, Leader, Highland Council ;

Derek Mackay, Governance and Elections Manager, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar .

The following interests were declared—

Meghan Gallacher as a councillor in North Lanarkshire Council;

Elena Whitham as a councillor in East Ayrshire Council;

Ariane Burgess as a Highlands and Islands Region MSP.

3. Electoral Arrangements Regulations (In Private):

The Committee considered evidence heard earlier in the meeting.