Meet the Kintyre and the Islands by-el
in such a beautiful corner of Scotland.
This is an exciting time in Argyll and Bute Council with a new administration in place and the benefit of that is already being experienced with their reversal of the 10 per cent increase in council tax at a time when people are struggling with the rising cost of living.
If elected, I would work with the administration to fulfil their ambitious plans to empower our communities.
More linked public transport is required to enable movement between communities for employment and recreation. I would work with providers to enhance the opportunities that already exist and to highlight the need for improved infrastructure.
I would work with our schools and further education establishments to ensure our young people have the opportunity, support and resources to reach their full potential.
For older people and those who need care, I would work with providers to ensure that care is provided appropriately, allowing people to remain in their own homes or a place they call home as long as it is safe to do so.
Affordable housing is and should be a priority and having served previously as depute housing spokesperson, I am committed to pursuing every avenue with providers to bring decent homes to our communities, giving people the opportunity to live where they choose.
If elected, I will commit to working for and representing everyone in Kintyre and Islands. change in the council’s administration, I now feel there is a way forward to effect positive change.
I am standing as an independent as I believe local authority councillors should work solely in the best interest of their constituents – not a political party. During my time as a Ward 1 councillor, I always advocated for my constituents and never conformed to toe a party line.
During my 22-year record as a councillor, further to the extensive work I did for the South Kintyre community, I was also successful with the following, which benefited Kintyre and the Islands and wider Argyll:
z Presented three petitions to Scottish Parliament: 1) campaign against the closure of rural schools, leading to the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010, which set additional requirements that councils must consider when consulting on proposals to close designated rural schools; 2) for a full-time ferry between Campbeltown and the central mainland – this upped the profile of the need for this service and will hopefully bear fruit in the not-too-distant future; 3) led the campaign with Councillor Dougie Philand and the late Councillor John McAlpine, as members of Argyll First, for a permanent solution at A83 Rest and Be Thankful, instigating the trunking of the road between Kennacraig and