About Helen Crawford
Professional background
Since 2022, Councillor Helen Crawford has represented the people of Aird and Loch Ness with a focus on justice, community, and local democracy.
A Highlander, Helen’s journey began at Alness Academy. Her drive to make a difference led her to study Law at the University of Edinburgh, followed by a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the University of Glasgow. After a number of years as a partner in a law firm in Shetland, Helen was contracted by the Foreign Office, working extensively across the Balkans, supporting emerging institutions in the promotion of democracy, human rights and the rule of law.
Helen then returned to the Highlands to establish her own business in Beauly. As a business owner, she understands the challenges faced by local traders and has been a vocal advocate for stronger support for high streets and fairer business rates.
Helen advocates for education reform having campaigned for Highland Council to declare a School Estate Emergency, shining a spotlight on the urgent need to improve school conditions across the region. In 2022, she successfully led the fight to reverse the prevailing partner rate payable to Early Learning and Childcare - ensuring that vital local services remain sustainable.
Helen organised and chaired two Conventions in The Highlands on the Impact of Energy Infrastructure on communities and, at the last Convention in Inverness in August 2025, she secured signatures from 11 MPs and MSPs to commit to obtaining urgent debates in Westminster and Holyrood to discuss these impacts. These Conventions call for applications to be paused until a clear national policy on energy infrastructure and the cumulative impacts is published by Government.
In February 2026, Helen chaired a Rural Scotland Convention at the Scottish Parliament, supporting Community Councils from across Scotland to be heard, with the then Energy Minister, Gillian Martin, meeting with these communities for the first time.