The Carnoustie and district by-election for the Angus Council seat left vacant by the death of former Angus Provost Helen Oswald takes place on Monday.
The Courier offered each of the five candidates for the post an opportunity to make their case for election, in their own words.
Here’s what they told us:
David Cheape (Independent): “A professional accountant, I have volunteered with local organisations for many years and been successful in securing council investment for facilities that previously languished through lack of funding and have won grant funding for other community groups.
“As I believe party politics should play no part in running core local services, unlike the SNP, I will ensure Angus Council delivers on its promises to Carnoustie and district.
“With council budgets under continual pressure, my professional experience and knowledge will assist with proper planning and investment and getting the best value for your money.”
Mark McDonald (Scottish National Party): “I have a Politics degree from Stirling University, which together with my work with Mike Weir MP over the last eight years has given me a deep understanding of many issues that impact Angus and the type of casework I will face, should I be elected.
“My focus is to help, support and represent you with your council-related issues and concerns.
“My manifesto is simple and realistic, and will be shaped by you and the issues that you raise with me.”
Beth Morrison (Scottish Liberal Democrats): “I have three children, and my youngest son goes to Carnoustie High School. He has epilepsy and complex learning disabilities.
“Caring for him has turned my life in a new direction, supporting and campaigning for other families of children with disabilities.
“It’s vitally important that these children are properly looked after in schools.
“For the past eight years I’ve been running the Dundee & Angus Special Needs Forum.
“In May 2016, I was honoured by the British Institute of Learning Disabilities with an outstanding achievement award for protecting Scotland’s most vulnerable children in schools.
“I’ve become an avid campaigner, including a successful five-year campaign to build a residence for talented children at the Dance School of Scotland in Glasgow.”
Derek Shaw (Scottish Conservatives and Unionists): “A vote for Derek Shaw will send a message to the SNP that local people don’t want another independence referendum and that the Scottish Government should get back to the day job by improving local schools and hospitals, and protecting jobs and family pay packets.
“With Labour and the Liberal Democrats in turmoil, it’s clear the Scottish Conservatives are the only party willing and able to hold the SNP to account.
“Your council is responsible for a lot of the decisions that affect your daily life, so it’s important to vote for someone who knows the area and who you can rely on.”
Raymond Strachan (Scottish Labour Party): “I intend, if elected, to hold the SNP-controlled council to account, to ensure that Carnoustie and District residents are represented and get the best deal and access to the public services they are entitled to.
“I think that as a result of the long austerity that we have experienced over the past six years, people’s expectations have lowered to a point where they are willing to accept cuts without too much complaint, believing that cuts and the removal of public services is the norm and inevitable.
“This needs to change and I am willing to challenge unfairness and cuts at every opportunity.”
Votes will be counted at Angus House in Forfar on Tuesday morning.
