You may remember me from my 15 years serving as your local councillor for Ward 11, Caol & Mallaig.

Full statement

If you're new to the ward, or perhaps voting for the first time, let me briefly introduce myself. I have lived and worked in Lochaber all my life, most recently running B&Bs with my wife, Sandra. Many will also know my family, who have shared traditional music with audiences across the world. Today, Sandra and I live in Glenfinnan, right at the heart of our wide-reaching ward, stretching from Invergarry to the Small Isles, as far as Canna. It is a community that deserves to be represented by someone with genuine local knowledge and understanding.

For the past three years I have watched Ward 11 being under-represented locally, so this vacancy gives the opportunity to put this right. I have long believed that Highland Council is far too important to be influenced by party politics and so as an independent candidate, I can focus solely on the needs of our community—free from the influence of Westminster or Edinburgh.

Having been an independent councillor for 15 years I know and accept that I cannot change everything overnight but I have the experience, the contacts, the local knowledge, the drive and the enthusiasm to be a strong voice for the people of Ward 11. If elected I promise to make sure your issues and concerns are addressed at local, Highland and if necessary national level.

If you place your trust in me on September 25th, I will work hard to tackle the key issues we face in Lochaber: better traffic solutions, reliable ferries, improved elderly care, a new Belford Hospital, stronger support for health and well-being, more investment in roads, schools and nurseries, greater local control over budgets, sustainable tourism, better recycling, and urgent action on housing.

For me, the people of Lochaber will always come first.