Brodie won’t be drawn on future plans

Former MSP Chic Brodie is refusing to be drawn on whether he has a political future.

Last week, our columnist Bob Shields lamented the loss of the former SNP politician, and hoped he wouldn’t be a stranger to the local political scene, urging him to stand as a councillor for South Ayrshire next year.

He praised Chic as being a tireless representative for the area.

Bob wrote: “( Chic) told the Post — ‘ I will die with my political boots on’. Hopefully, that’s a long time away.

“In the meantime, Chic’s boots could be put to better use — wading into South Ayrshire Council.

“And if the Nats won’t let him aboard after rocking their boat, he should stand as an independent.

“At 72, he’s gathered years of experience at the front line of politics. And that’s still too young for him to be picking up a pipe, slippers and membership of the nearest bowling club.”

The politician refused to be drawn on his immediate political future, but confirmed he is intending to stay involved in promoting Ayrshire as an outstanding business option for firms locally and internationally.

Chic said: “It’s well known that I’m a believer in having one Ayrshire.

“I will do everything I can to help Ayrshire, whether travelling locally or internationally, and working with Scottish Enterprise.

“I am also working with the Chinese food and drink industry, and the Asian food and drink organisations, to work in Ayrshire.

“By working together, professionally, as one body, Ayrshire could — and should — be a leader in manufacturing and the food and drink industries in Scotland.”