Forfar

I am honoured to stand as the SNP candidate for the Angus North and Mearns constituency and am committed to being a strong, local voice for Forfar, ensuring the community’s priorities are heard at the very heart of the Scottish Parliament.

Forfar’s identity is built on a proud and varied history - from its days as a royal stronghold on Castle Hill to the global fame of the Forfar Bridie. Today, that legacy lives on as we thrive as a hub for tourism and world-class food production, while the growth of the renewables industry through ScotWind promises new, high-quality jobs for our next generation. The local economy is strong, and this election is vital to ensuring we continue to strengthen it.

The SNP is committed to helping Forfar to thrive for generations to come. For instance, I am proud to see that £150,000 of SNP Government funding is set to be used to transform the play area at Forfar Loch Country Park. Drawing on my own experience supporting youth groups, I know how important it is for young people to have safe places to play and learn.

In my time campaigning here, I have listened to your hopes for Forfar. These conversations have made me a firm believer that what makes Forfar great is how the community pulls together to support one another. The Forfar Open Garden is a testament to that community spirit, while the Deidre Knight Centre and the Forfar & District Men’s Shed do vital work in tackling social isolation. The Anchorage provides a warm space for people to meet and get advice as well as providing free school uniform for those in need. Furthermore, the local sports clubs, including the Strathmore Community Rugby Trust and Forfar Athletic Community Football Club, are inspiring Forfar's young people to stay active and develop life skills.

I would be incredibly honoured to earn your vote on 7th May, so make it both votes SNP to elect me as your constituency MSP and for an SNP majority in Holyrood for the next parliamentary term.

We also recognise how rising energy prices are impacting local people. By providing over 24,645 Winter Heating Payments across Angus since 2022, the SNP is ensuring that support reaches those who need it most within our community.

While there is much to celebrate, I am clear-eyed about the challenges faced by the town. The loss of local businesses – including the closure of the Forfar Mart – have been significant blows to workers and the farming community. I also hear your concerns regarding anti-social behaviour, housing, the future of empty buildings like the former police station, and the pressures of traffic on our streets.

Forfar is also home to Scotland's regional Guide Dogs training school, ensuring that life changing dogs are provided to the partially-sighted and blind to live an active, independent life - something commemorated in Skye-Rose Collaborations mural set on East High Street. These organisations are the heartbeat of the town, powered by the tireless dedication of local volunteers.

I'm equally pleased that the Meffin Museum and Art Gallery received £48,091 from the Capital Resilience Fund from Museums Scotland and ScotGov towards the costs of renewing lighting for the recent renovations. This outstanding local museum enhances the tourist offering by featuring the Forfar witch trials and view the mysterious Pictish sculptured stones, Goosecroft log boat dated to 1090AD and fascinating archaeology found in the area.