Could you tell readers about yourself, and why you’ve chosen to try and represent this ward?
I’m excited and proud to be standing as prospective Councillor. I will bring a much-needed fresh voice to Argyll and Bute Council for the people of Lomond North
. The people of Lomond North deserve a strong voice and a local champion who will focus on improving the lives of the people that they represent. Having lived in the area for 45 years, going to school in Garelochhead, working in RNAD Coulport and as convener of Garelochhead Community Council, I know our community very well. I hope to be that strong voice for the communities that make up Lomond North.
I’m passionate about finding solutions to issues that matter most to our community. For example as Garelochhead Community Council Convener, I have staved off unwanted and inappropriate development at Portincaple, persuaded Scottish Water to replace the slip at Garelochhead and worked with Councillors and Council Officers to improve infrastructure. I will oppose plans to cut headteachers as there is no evidence that this will improve attainment. Plans to redevelop Kilcreggan Pier have been rushed and need to be subject to full consultation with the local community. Faced as we are with a cost of living crisis, I give you my commitment I will do everything I can to ensure those in need in our community, families and businesses, are able to get access to the support they need in these challenging times.
What do you think are the three key issues in the future for the ward, and how close is your relationship with it?
The proposed Education model changes are wholly misguided and not fit for purpose. I have been involved in the local consultation on this topic through my role as Convener of the Community Council.
Kilcreggan Pier redevelopment must take into account the key future-proofing priorities of sustainability, climate change and longer term ‘place’ plans for the local Rosneath peninsular communities.
Traffic and road safety continues to be a major source of frustration and concern across most of Lomond North and I will continue to prioritise solutions to address this. I have been working for several years on these problems across various local traffic and road safety pressure spots and look forward to continuing to work with Council Officers and Police Scotland on this when elected.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?
I will always work with others in the interests of constituents but do not intend to join any formal coalitions. I will be a strong voice in standing up for constituents and they know that I will not be tied to any alliances of convenience.
Currently the council is considering a ‘collectives’ system, which would see several schools share a headteacher and management team. Do you support this policy?
I am completely opposed to the proposed changes to the education model and the associated impact on school leadership. In my local area within Lomond North we undertook a programme of community consultation on this matter, liaising with local parent councils, and speaking at length with residents in our community including parents, retired teachers, students and local business owners and as a result I am even more convinced that the plans should be rejected. The proposal lacks any informative detail, there is no real clear evidence to support these changes and it does nothing to address recruitment issues.