FOUR candidates will contest the Argyll and Bute constituency at next month's general election.

Following the close of nominations at 5pm on Thursday, November 14, a 'notice of poll' published by returning officer Cleland Sneddon confirmed that the four people who will do battle for the area's votes on December 12 are Rhea Barnes (Labour), Gary Mulvaney (Conservative), Brendan O'Hara (SNP) and Alan Reid (Liberal Democrats).

Ms Barnes, who is originally from Oban, will be the only new name on the ballot paper compared to the last election in 2017, when Mr O'Hara won a second term as the area's MP.

Last time out, Mr O'Hara secured the seat with a 1,328 majority, with Mr Mulvaney second for the Conservatives and Mr Reid third for the Lib Dems, ahead of Labour candidate Michael Kelly.

READ MORE: Helensburgh councillor chosen as Argyll and Bute's Conservative candidate

The SNP's majority in 2017 was significantly reduced from the previous Westminster poll in 2015, when Mr O'Hara unseated Mr Reid – who had been Argyll and Bute's MP for 14 years – by a margin of 8,473 votes.

Close examination of the candidate lists in all Scotland's constituencies, by the Ballot Box Scotland project, reveals that Argyll and Bute is one of only 23 Scottish seats where there are no candidates from any of the 'minor' parties, and no independents.

The notice of poll also states that there are three changes to polling places in the Helensburgh and Lomond area compared with past elections.

In Helensburgh, people who previously voted at the Naval Families Centre in Churchill will instead be able to cast their vote at the Drumfork Community Centre in Churchill Square.

READ MORE: Alan Reid to fight Argyll and Bute for Liberal Democrats

Elsewhere in the town, the dance studio at Hermitage Academy will be used instead of Colgrain Primary School.

And in Luss, the polling station will be located at the Loch Lomond Arms Hotel in the village.

The deadline for registering to vote in next month's election is Tuesday, November 26.

READ MORE: O'Hara retains Argyll and Bute for the SNP – but it's a close run thing

The deadline for postal vote applications is 5pm on November 26, and if you want to apply for a proxy vote, you need to do so by 5pm on Wednesday, December 4.

You can find out more about this at www.yourvotematters.co.uk – and if you want to apply for a postal or proxy vote for this election, it is best to do this as soon as possible so that you can make sure you are able to take part.

To avoid any doubt about where you are due to vote, always check your polling card when you receive it.

Polls will be open from 7am until 10pm on Thursday, December 12.