THE chairman of Earlston Community Council has been announced as the Scottish National Party’s candidate for the Leaderdale and Melrose by-election, writes Kenny Paterson.
Harry Cummings will contest the seat following the resignation of Nicholas Watson earlier this month.
Born and educated in Edinburgh, Mr Cummings moved to the Borders in 1983. Married to Jackie, originally from Lilliesleaf, and with two daughters, he ran an electrical and security business for 30 years, at one time employing 32 people in Edinburgh and the Borders.
Leaderdale and Melrose councillor Jim Torrance has back his fellow SNP member’s campaign.
Mr Torrance said: “As a former Tweedbank community councillor myself I have worked with Harry on local issues over many years. I know that he is dedicated to getting the best for the ordinary folk of the Borders and to defending our Borders way of life.”
Mr Cummings added: “The local Scottish National Party gained three seats in the Borders last year because local people knew that they would work hard for us all.
“For my part, it has been a privilege to work with and for the people of Earlston on a whole range of ventures over the last 20 years.
“I hope the people of Leaderdale and Melrose will give me the chance to use my civic and business experience to work for all the people who live in the area I love.”
John Paton-Day (Liberal Democrats), Rachael Hamilton (Conservatives) and Iain Gillespie (Borders Party) have already been announced as candidates for the by-election which takes place on May 2.
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