Julie McKenzie SNP, ward five

When I was elected last year, I promised to listen and be a strong voice for our community. My priority has been to deliver those promises.

This ward has been home to my family for generations. I’m passionate about this area and the people who live here. My upbringing on the Isle of Seil gave me the strong belief in community empowerment that I hold at the heart of all that I do.

I live in Oban with my two young sons. Young people are the future of Argyll and Bute, but for too long they have been forced to leave to access education, work and affordable housing. This must change.

Ordinary people like you and I can make a difference. My short record as your councillor hopefully speaks for itself: Championing community empowerment. Fighting to save voluntary sector Argyll Training. Speaking up on behalf of our travelling community. Calling out planning mistakes, a flawed system and sleeping councillors.

Chairing the Oban Skate Park Initiative. I need time to deliver more. If you re- elect me, I will build on what I’ve started, working with my SNP colleagues to bring decision-making back into the hands of the community.