Angus Glens

I am honoured to stand as the SNP candidate for the Angus North and Mearns constituency and am committed to being a passionate advocate for every community across the Angus Glens, ensuring your voice is heard clearly in the Scottish Parliament.

The Angus Glens are among the most scenic locations in Scotland. Their breathtaking landscapes, winding roads, and peaceful atmosphere attract visitors from far and wide. There is arguably no better way to spend a day than walking through this beautiful countryside, catching glimpses of iconic wildlife like golden eagles, grouse, and red deer. However, our communities are defined by more than just scenery; they are defined by their resilience and spirit. As the “Gateway to the Glens”, Edzell exemplifies this local dedication. The Edzell Flood Group works tirelessly to protect the area from future flooding, while the Glenesk Folk Museum by Tarfside serves as a local gem preserving our rich history. Likewise, the regular events at the Glen Lethnot Community Hall and the Memus Hall remain vital for bringing people together.

In recent years our community has been severely impacted by storms which have caused flooding and disruption. I am grateful for the financial support of £1,500 grants for damage to homes and property the SNP Government provided to local people following Storm Babet, while businesses could claim £3,000. This demonstrates the SNP’s commitment to standing beside rural communities through strife and to help them to recover.

I am also acutely aware of the lack of reliable bus services between Angus communities and further afield. Villages have little to no bus service, with some only available during the working week while others are completely cut off unless they drive. While the Ember service along the A90 calling at Brechin and Forfar is a positive step, much more progress is required. It is unacceptable that residents still struggle to travel to medical appointments, job interviews, or to social socialise. I will work with national and local policymakers to press for the modern, connected transport system our villages deserve.

While I recognise that the North-East must have the infrastructure required to benefit from the transition to renewable energy, I firmly believe that SSEN Transmission’s proposed 400kV overhead lines should be undergrounded. It is disappointing that successive Labour and Tory UK Governments have maintained a system that discourages this. The SNP is demanding the devolution of energy powers so that decisions about our land are made by the people of Scotland – not distant policymakers with little understanding of our rural communities. If elected, I will press the UK Government to grant the powers needed to underground this type of infrastructure. I also appreciate that our countryside is approaching saturation point for the granting of planning for battery storage projects, solar and windfarms and will do what I can to ensure that our area is not overburdened with these energy projects moving forwards.

From the Emergency Heating Oil Scheme supporting our off-grid households to provding £10,000 towards a deposit on buying a first home, the SNP is committed to taking direct action to ease the cost of living for families.

If you elect me to be your constituency representative in the Scottish Parliament, I will be a relentless champion for our area – working together with local and national policymakers to deliver the results the Angus Glens need. So make it both votes SNP on 7th May to elect me as your constituency MSP and for an SNP majority in Holyrood for the next parliamentary term.

On the doorstep, you have shared your most pressing priorities with me, and we recognise the impact that the UK Labour Government's Inheritance Tax on farmers is a threat to our family run farms and will push for this punitive tax to be reversed. The SNP are also committed to maintaining direct payments which provide stability to Scottish agriculture. Our Future Farming Investment Scheme for capital investment in efficiency, nature and climate friendly farming will be increased to £21.4million this financial year and that is on top of the Knowledge Transfer and Innovation Fund (KTIF) which has provided more than £8.5 million over the last decade to bring farmers, researchers and rural businesses together – sharing knowledge and trialling new approaches.

Furthermore, I know of the concern regarding road safety in Edzell and the future of the Shakin’ Brig. I commend the Joint Inveresk & Mearns Community Council subgroup for their work to establish the facts and fund a condition survey of the bridge. While both local authorities - Aberdeenshire and Angus - have so far refused to fund the necessary repairs, as MSP I will support the community to help secure the bridge’s future.

I have also heard about how childcare costs remain a significant worry for many in our area. I am proud that the SNP has committed £500 million to provide year-round childcare for every child from nine months to 12 years old. This policy is about more than just numbers; it is about helping local parents return to work, build their careers, and support their families. By removing the burden of high costs and holiday gaps, we can make the Angus Glens an even more attractive place for young families to settle, work, and thrive.