RobDavies (Conservatives)

Rob, who lives in Blanefield, has highlighted the importance of communications in rural areas.

“Forth & Endrick Ward is a rural community that needs to be represented by someone living in it and knows the issues that are important to its inhabitants.

After living here for 13 years and serving for 18 months on the Strathblane Community Council I think I am fully aware of what these issues are. First and foremost are good communications. These days that means fast broadband and 4G mobile phone coverage as well as properly maintained roads that are not full of potholes.

A surprising number of people, including me, work from home these days and desperately need a fast and reliable Internet connection for business.

And with a 10-year-old son I know just how crucial broadband is for leisure use as well.

Forth & Endrick has some great scenery but it is also the gateway to the Trossachs and Loch Lomond for many Glaswegians, so the ability of the roads to deal with heavy traffic and bad weather is vital. This has been neglected in the past and restoring it will be one of my priorities.

Finally, the last thing this community needs is the continuing uncertainty over our constitution.

With my children in England and the bulk of my clients there I see no case for Scottish independence and will do all I can to maintain the union.”