WI candidates begin their election campaigns

Nominations for the Scottish Parliament elections have closed and the candidates for the Western Isles seat have been confirmed.

With campaigning already well under-way, candidates have been out and about meeting Harris residents and hearing their views and concerns.

The election will take place on Thursday, May 7, with voting from 7am until 10pm. Local polling stations are Tarbert Community Centre (Tarbert), South Harris Free Church Hall (Leverburgh) and Scalpay Community Fire Station (Scalpay). Votes will be counted and the results announced on Friday, May 8th.

The campaign has already seen some high profile visits to the Western Isles, with both Scottish National Party leader John Swinney and Labour leader Anas Sarwar campaigning in Stornoway. Ferries and housing are proving to be key issues.

A hustings event will be held at Talla na Mara at 6pm on May 1, giving locals the chance to ask the candidates their questions in person.

The Dè tha dol? aims to cover the local side of the election and is inviting candidates to take part in an interview or Q&A - the first of these in with Labour’s Donald MacKinnon on p15.

Scottish Parliament Candidates

Allan, Alasdair (Scottish National Party)

Dobson, Jamie (Scottish Liberal Democrats)

Mackenzie, Kenny

(Alliance to Liberate Scotland and Sovereignty)

Mackinnon, Donald (Scottish Labour Party)

MacPherson, George (Scottish Conserva-tive and Unionist Party)

McTaggart, Malcolm Ivor (Reform UK)