The candidates who will contest the Highland ward on Perth and Kinross Council previously held by Ian Campbell have been finalised.
The by-election on Thursday April 19 follows the death of Conservative Mr Campbell, who was also the leader of the administration.
Nominations have now closed and seven candidates have put themselves forward – Denise Baykal (Independent), John Duff (Scottish Conservative and Unionist), John Kellas (Scottish National Party), Mary McDougall (Scottish Green Party), Jayne Ramage (Scottish Labour Party), Chris Rennie (Scottish Liberal Democrats) and Avril Taylor (Independent).
John Kellas, who has previously served as an SNP councillor, said local concerns were at the heart of his approach.
“Issues of real concern such as the deteriorating condition of our roads and the closure threats faced by our schools,” he said.
Avril Taylor, of Aberfeldy, said she was standing as an Independent candidate to help address the problems facing rural communities.
“Issues range from a shortage of affordable housing which is pricing key workers out of our community and threatening the future of our local health care provision, to protecting the future of our rural schools,” she said.
John Duff, the Conservative candidate, was born in Aberfeldy and served as a police officer with Strathclyde Police for 30 years.
“Of concern are job opportunities for young people, the provision of a satisfactory broadband service and the need for affordable housing for key workers to be able to make Highland Perthshire their home,” said Mr Duff.
Mary McDougall for the Scottish Green Party says good public transport and broadband links are important.
“With a background in education I’m keen to ensure that staffing in schools is kept at a level competent to meet future demands and is viable and fit for the long term needs of all our children,” she said.
Denise Baykal, who is standing as an Independent candidate, gained a BSc in biology from St Andrews University, before attaining an LLB in Scots Law from Dundee.
She has worked as a volunteer with Perth Women’s Aid.
Scottish Lib Dem candidate Chris Rennie who lives in Pitlochry says he will focus on local matters and the basic council services that “affect people in their everyday lives such as ensuring street lights are repaired, pavements are swept and the condition of our local roads is rectified”.
Jayne Ramage of Aberfeldy, is the Scottish Labour Party candidate.
“As someone who has taught in local Highland primary schools, and has run out of school activity groups, I am passionate about safeguarding education and community welfare from cuts in services,” said the local small business owner.
