ORKNEY has claimed a first in Scotland with an all female fight in a council by-election.

Nominations have closed for the seat on West Mainland on Orkney Islands Council — and there are no men contesting the seat for what is thought to be the first time anywhere in the country.

Barbara Foulkes, who works for tourism body VisitScotland and is not standing for a party, Fiona Grahame, for the Orkney Greens, and Rachael King, for the Orkney Manifesto Group, are listed on the notice of election.

Orkney currently has two female elected members, in a cohort of 21.

Councillor Janice Annal, who has served on the Council since 1996, said: “It’s been several years since the council has had more than two female Councillors and I look forward to having another woman in the chamber.

"It is predominantly more men than women that stand for election so it’s an unusual situation, but a good one as it will address the gender balance.”

The election is to be held on 18 August, with the result known the following day. It follows the death of councillor Alistair Gordon.