SNP nominate team of candidates for Comhairle election

With nominations now closed for the Comhairle elections, the SNP has announced its 14 candidates standing for the council. For the first time ever in the islands, the party will be standing at least one candidate in every ward.

The SNP’s candidates in the islands’ nine multi-member wards are as follows:

In Barraigh, Bhatarsaigh, Eirisgeidh agus Uibhist a Deas, sitting councillors Gerry MacLeod from Lochboisdale and Donald Manford (the Comhairle’s current Transport Convener) will both again contest the seat.

In Beinn na Foghla agus Uibhist a Tuath, Andrew Walker who lives in Kyles Flodda will stand for the SNP, while over the Sound of Harris in Na Hearadh agus Ceann a Deas nan Loch, sitting councillor Philip McLean will be standing again alonside Dr. David Wilson of Tolsta Chaolais.

In Sgir’Uig agus Ceann a Tuath nan Loch, former council director Bill Houston and sitting councillor Annie MacDonald will be candidates.

In Steornabhagh a Deas, Rae MacKenzie, known both from the world of Harris Tweed, and also remembered as Stornoway town council’s youngest ever member, will stand, as also will Software Engineer and author Bob Duncan.

At the other end of the town in Steornabhagh a Tuath, Stornoway businessman Mohammmed Ahmed (best known through the Bangla Spice restaurant) and Gordon Murray, who runs a language school on the island will be up for election.

In Loch a Tuath, the sitting independent councillor John A MacIver, will be standing as an SNP candidate, and in Sgire an Rubha, John Norman “Orica” MacDonald, who works for local builder Neil MacKay will be standing for the party.

In An Taobh Siar agus Nis, the SNP’s candidate is Kenny MacLeod from South Dell.

The SNP Group’s Leader on the Comhairle commented:

“For the first time ever in the islands, everyone from the Butt to Barra will have the chance to vote SNP. This reflects not only the SNP’s confidence nationally just now, but also our firm conviction that people with party political views should be prepared to say what they are to the electorate. From here on in, I think it would be sensible for all on the Comhairle who are actively involved in political parties to make clear which party that is.

“The fact that we are standing over twice as many candidates as we have ever done in the past in the islands is an indication of the amount by which SNP support has grown since the council elections of 2007. We are determined as a group on the new Comhairle to work hard for our communities, and over the coming weeks our candidates will be meeting as many people as we can in the run up to the poll.”

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