Could you tell readers about yourself, and why you’ve chosen to try and represent this ward?
I have been a resident within Lomond North for decades. I have worked within the community and founded the Rosneath Highland Games. I was previously a councillor between 2012 and 2017 bringing many benefits to the local communities throughout Lomond North. Some of these projects weren’t finalised within one term and I would love the opportunity to serve my community one final time to bring these to fruition. I would join the administration if elected so I have the strongest say as possible to ensure I can represent everyone effectively as possible, regardless of their political background, or where within the ward they reside.
What do you think are the three key issues in the future for the ward, and how close is your relationship with it?
The three key issues for me are road improvements, opposing the head teacher cluster proposals and school facilities. I have previously worked with the council and secured funding for pavements, I wish to continue this and secure more funding to upgrade infrastructure to make roads and pavements more user friendly. I strongly oppose the proposals for head teachers to oversee numerous schools. It is vital pupils, and their parents have access to the best education possible. Head teachers provide a crucial part of that by being able to know each pupil, these proposals take this away and will limit access parents can have to gain the best possible education for their children. Previously I secured funding to upgrade the sports facilities at Rosneath Primary, using Kilcreggan Primary as an example which is in desperate need of funding to upgrade their facilities, I would like to achieve the same around the ward so pupils have access to the best possible facilities.
Currently Argyll and Bute Council is run by TALIG – the Argyll, Lomond and the Islands Group, a coalition of Conservatives, Liberal Democrats and some independent councillors. If elected, would you join this group?
Yes I would join the administration. It is important that the ward has representation that has the ability to vote on crucial matters that affect the residents.
Currently the council is considering a ‘collectives’ system, which would see several schools share a headteacher and management team. Do you support this policy?
No I don’t support this policy as I have previously mentioned. I wish to see these proposals scrapped.