The Highland Council is to seek a report from its Chief Executive on the work of the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (Colsa) and how it represents the Council�s interests and at the same time invite senior representatives of Cosla to address them a meeting of the new Council following the 1 May elections.

At a special Council meeting in Inverness today (Thursday), the Council considered a motion from Councillors Andy Anderson and Sandy Mackenzie seeking withdrawal from Cosla because they did not believe the Council was getting value for money from its annual contribution of �109,000.

There were three amendments to the motion.

Convener David Green moved a first amendment that the Council should seek a report from the Chief Executive and invite the President and Chief Executive of Cosla to an early meeting of the new Council ie after 1 May.

Councillor Bill Fulton moved a second amendment that the Council should seek the report and the visit from Cosla representatives on 10 April � the last meeting of the current Council before the elections.

Councillor Clive Goodman moved a second amendment of the status quo ie that the Council should remain as members of Cosla.

In the first vote, Councillor Fulton�s amendment defeated that of Councillor Goodman, 39-29.

In the seond vote, the Convener�s amendment defeated that of Councillor Fulton by 36 votes to 33.

And in the third and final vote, the Convener�s amendment defeated the motion of Councillors Anderson and Mackenzie by 44 votes to 23.