The first election to the Western Isles Islands Council was held on 7 May 1974 as part of the wider 1974 Scottish regional elections. All candidates stood as Independents, and 16 candidates were elected unopposed.^[1]

Quick Facts All 30 seats to Western Isles Council 16 seats needed for a majority, First party ...

1974 Western Isles Islands Council election

7 May 1974 (1974-05-07) 1978 →
All 30 seats to Western Isles Council 16 seats needed for a majority
First party   Leader Donald Macauley Party Independent Leader's seat Uig West Seats won 30 Popular vote 6,430 Percentage 100.0%
Council Convener after election Donald Macauley Independent

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Several members of political parties ran as independent candidates. This included Roderick MacLeod in Shawbost, who had contested the Western Isles constituency for the Conservatives in 1970, and Mary McCormack, election agent for Labour candidate Andrew Wilson in February 1974, both of whom were unsuccessful.^[2]

After the election, Reverend Donald Macaulay and Stornoway Provost Sandy Matheson were tied in a 15-15 vote among councillors to become the council's first convener. Macaulay was elected upon the drawing of a lot.^[3]