‘Community first’ candidate
Evan is standing as Independent
A business expert is set to stand for election to Stirling Council.
Buchlyvie man Evan McLean has announced that he will stand as an Independent candidate for the Forth and Endrick ward.
The former bank worker, who is now employed in economic development, said that he thinks he can offer something different to the candidates from the mainstream parties.
He said: “In recent years, we have been represented by elected members who do not reside locally and who are more interested in scoring political points for their party than addressing the concerns of their constituents.
“In conversations with villagers in Killearn, Balfron and Fintry the overwhelming feeling is that they do not feel they get the support and service from Stirling Council that they deserve, in part due to the elected members not residing locally to fight for the area.
“It is for this reason that I want to stand, as I am proud of the area I live in.”
Mr McLean attended both Balfron Primary and High schools before starting work in the village’s Bank of Scotland in 1979.
In 2014, he joined City of Edinburgh Council as a senior economic development officer, where he works with the Business Gateway team.
He has pledged to ensure that opportunities are there for local children and rural businesses.
Mr McLean said: “I have in recent years been a strong advocate for the retention of both Music and PE specialists in Stirling Council primary schools.
“I want every child in West Stirlingshire to have the best opportunities and I will actively vote against any proposed education cuts. Also of significant importance is the support the rural business community deserves from its local authority.”
Meanwhile, the Conservatives announced that well-known Balfron author Paul Henke will be their candidate on May 4 in the Bannockburn ward, which includes Fallin and Cowie.
Mr Henke, an expert on international terrorism, is the former Scottish chairman of UKIP.
He had a 100-year UKIP membership ban overturned after he and several other members signed a letter protesting about the appointment of David Coburn as the party’s Scottish candidate in the 2014 European elections. However, he is now in the Conservative fold for the Stirling Council elections.