Kirriemuir & Dean

Kirriemuir and Dean sees one of the more intriguing and competitive battles.

Council leader Iain Gaul has decided not to stand for reelection after 14 years as a councillor and rivals to the SNP party are sensing an opportunity to gain his seat.

Six people will compete for three council seats, compared to just four contenders in 2012.

It is the only council ward in which the Conservatives are fielding two candidates, with incumbent Ronnie Proctor joined by Angus Macmillan Douglas.

Current SNP councillor Jeanette Gaul is joined by Julie Bell. The Liberal Democrat candidate is Liz Petrie and Labour is fielding Gordon Watson.

Kirriemuir has benefited from major investment through the Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme, which has improved the appearance of buildings in the town.

The town has also focused on becoming dementia friendly, with the development of a community hub and opening of a sensory garden as part of the £250,000 initiative.

The closure of the recycling centre has been a hot topic in the town, with a replacement centre to serve people in Kirrie and Forfar likely to be sited in Padanaram.

There have also been concerns about loss of other local amenities in the town, with a plan being put together for the former Fairlie House council complex.

In recent years Kirrie has also seen the closure of its Royal Bank of Scotland branch, with the T SB also warning customers it will be closing its branch in June.

With the ward taking in many remote homes, it also has a number of people who have been affected by the council’s decision to stop some food waste collection services.

Kirriemuir has seen investment in its buildings but has lost bank branches.