Breege Smyth SNP, ward five

Communities are best placed to make the decisions that affect them. As a community councillor, I know the good work the community council does.

Through the Community Empowerment Act, more powers can be devolved to communities. If elected, I want to facilitate that empowerment.

I will work diligently to ensure there is effective communication so that our area takes full advantage of the Community Empowerment Act.

I believe ‘knowledge is power’, and inadequate, insufficient and difficult to access information causes frustrations. I want to see a user-friendly system that allows residents easy access to information about the working of the council and its services. Unnecessary red tape hinders progress in all things.

My background is in fashion design and journalism. I approach challenges in a creative and pragmatic way. We live in an area of great opportunity, I will work with businesses and support initiatives that will encourage economic growth and provide jobs to stem the overall population decline.

As a presenter on Oban FM and a community councillor, I am inspired by the great work of our voluntary sector.

I will represent my constituents openly, honestly and with respect. It would be an honour to represent you.