Thank you for this opportunity to let the people of Hoy and Walls know who I am and what I believe in.

I am Orcadian born, and educated at Stromness Academy, Edinburgh University and Oxford University.

I am a hard-working positive individual dedicated to serving the community. Experienced in local government, I spent nine years each on the Orkney Islands Council and the Stromness Community Council. I am driven by a sincere belief in making our communities better. I put practical “commonsense” first in decision making. I will represent all areas equally. Representing the South Isles is all about communication. If elected I would attend Community Council and local meetings with public surgeries associated with those meetings. Individuals are always welcome to contact me with their problems.

I believe the main challenges facing the South Isles in the immediate future are medical provision, care for the elderly, transport and jobs.

Medical provision and local care for the elderly is a continuing challenge. Primary care needs professional practitioners on the island backed up by a reliable ambulance service. Emergencies don’t follow working hours! Securing the best possible results needs local representation to the NHS Orkney Board. I would try to do that.

Transport is a constant problem and lengthening vessels can only be a temporary solution. Frequency and timetabling is important for both, community access, year round, and tourism in the summer. Get this right and people will come to the islands, and stay, creating jobs.