News / A five horse race
THERE were no surprises when nominations for the Shetland seat in the forthcoming Scottish Parliamentary elections closed on Tuesday.
The five candidates who had already put forward their names last week will fight for the seat which has been held by the Liberal Democrats since the Parliament was formed in 1999.
Sandy Cross, an investment banker with farming and aquaculture interests on the west side of Shetland, will stand for the Conservative Party
Independent candidate Billy Fox, who cites an environmental agenda, is seen by many as a real challenge to the Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Tavish Scott, who has held the seat for the past 12 years and achieved a record majority for the party in 2007.
Jamie Kerr, a human rights lawyer from Renfrewshire hopes to improve Labour’s poor show from four years ago, when the party polled less than seven per cent of the vote.
Finally Jean Urquhart, the owner of the well known Ceilidh Place in Ullapool, is flying the flag for the Scottish nationals.
The six week campaign should see candidates touring the isles from Fair Isle to Unst, and Skerries to Foula.
Two hustings have already been organised, both to be held on 22 April, first at the Brae High School at 2pm, and later the same day at Shetland Museum and Archives when BBC Radio Shetland hosts its traditional hustings night.
Voters will go to the poll on Thursday 5 May with polling stations open between 7am and 10pm. The count will again take place in Lerwick Town Hall where the result is expected to be announced in the early hours of the following Friday.
Voters will also be asked to make up their mind on the proposed new voting system for the Westminster Parliament.
The referendum on the Alternative Vote, which could replace the current first past the post system will be held on the same day, with the count taking place the following afternoon.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.
Already a supporter? Sign in to hide this message.
