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'A survey of voting intentions by the Ipsos MORI organisation revealed a massive swing to the SNP in both the constituency and list sections of the Holyrood voting system. In just three months, Labour has slipped from a 14-point lead over the SNP to being two points behind them. Just 28 per cent of voters said they would back Labour in a Holyrood election compared with 30 per cent who opted for the SNP.' Peter MacMahon in the Scotsman 1 st July 2006. |
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1. Christine Grahame MSP (Also standing in Tweedale, Ettrick & Lauderdale constituency) |
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| Scottish National Party | ||
| Christine Grahame was born on the 9 th September 1944 in Burton-on-Trent in England and was educated at Boroughmuir Secondary School in Edinburgh, Edinburgh University where she graduated with an MA, an LLB and a Dip. Legal Practice and Moray House College of Education in Edinburgh where she obtained a Dip in Education. She worked as a Teacher at Douglas Ewart High School, Whithorn Secondary School and Woodmill High School before becoming a Solicitor (Partner) with Alan Dawson Simpson & Hampton WS. from 1995 to 1998 she was Senior Litigation Assistant J & RA Robertson WS and from 1998 until her election in 1999 a Solicitor with Dickson, McNiven & Dunn WS. In 1999 (as Christine Creech) she was elected as the 6 th MSP for South of Scotland, while in 2003 she came within 538 votes of winning Tweedale, Ettrick & Lauderdale from the Lib Dems. In 2004 she stood for the post of SNP Deputy Leader, coming third with 1,410 votes (21.57 %) compared to 3,521 votes (53.87 %) for Nicola Sturgeon and 1,605 votes for Fergus Ewing (24.56 %). In the parliament she is Convener of the Cross-Party Group on Borders Rail, Co-Convener of the Cross-Party Group on Tackling Debt, Deputy Convener of the Cross-Party Group on Animal Welfare and Deputy Convener of the Cross-Party Group on Diabetes. Parliamentary Posts June 2001 - April 2003 - Convener of the Justice Committee May 2003 - September 2004 Convener of the Health Committee Shadow Ministerial Posts September 2000 - June 2001 - Shadow Minister for Social Security (reserved matter) September 2004 - Shadow Minister for Social Justice Recent electoral experience 2003 Scottish parliament election, Tweedale, Ettrick & Lauderdale, 6,659 votes (24.94 %) 2003 Scottish parliament election, First on SNP South of Scotland list, 48,371 votes (18.37 %) (elected) 1999 Scottish parliament election, Tweedale, Ettrick & Lauderdale, 7,600 votes (22.54 %) (as Christine Creech) 1999 Scottish parliament election, Fourth on SNP South of Scotland list, 80,059 votes (25.15 %) (elected) (as Christine Creech) 1994 European election, South of Scotland, 45,032 votes (22.4 %) (as Christine Creech) 1992 Westminster election, Tweedale, Ettrick & Lauderdale, 5,244 votes (17.0 %) (as Christine Creech) | ||
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2. Michael Russell (Also standing in Dunfries constituency) |
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| Scottish National Party | ||
| Michael was born in Bromley in Kent in 1953 was educated at Marr College in Troon and Edinburgh University where he graduated with an MA in Scottish History and Literature. He worked as Creative Producer with the Church of Scotland from 1974 until 1977, as Director of Cinema Sgire in the Western Isles from 1977 until 1981, as Secretary General of the Association of Film & TV in the Celtic Countries from 1983 until 1991 and as Director of Ela Bhan from 1991. Michael was the SNP's Chief Executive for the SNP from 1994 until his election in 1999. He directed the 1997 General Election campaign and the by-elections in Perth and Paisley South. Michael Russell is also Convenor of the SNP Internet Support Group From 1999 - 2003 he was MSP for South of Scotland, Shadow Minister for Children and Education, and SNP spokesperson on Culture, Broadcasting and Gaelic, as well as serving on the ParliamentÕs Education, Culture and Sport Committee. In 2004 he stood for the SNP leadership, coming third with 631 votes (9.7 %) compared to 953 (14.6 %) for Roseanna Cunningham and 4,952 (75.6 %) for Alex Salmond. He is also a published author and edited Winnie Ewing autobigraphy "Stop the World".
Shadow Ministerial Posts September 2000 - April 2003 - Shadow Minister for Children & Education May 1999 - September 2000 - Business Manager & Shadow Minister for Broadcasting & Gaelic Recent electoral experience 2003 Scottish parliament election, Cunninghame South, 5,089 votes (22.35 %) 2003 Scottish parliament election, Fourth on SNP South of Scotland list, 48,371 votes (18.37 %) 1999 Scottish parliament election, Cunninghame South, 8,395 votes (29.69 %) 1999 Scottish parliament election, Second on SNP South of Scotland list, 80,059 votes (25.15 %) (elected) 1987 Westminster election, Clydesdale, 7,125 votes (14.8 %) | ||
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3. Adam Ingram MSP (Also standing in Carrick, Cumnock & Doon Valley constituency) |
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| Scottish National Party | ||
| Adam Ingram was born in Kilmarnock on the 1 st of May 1951 and was educated at Kilmarnock Academy, Glasgow University and Paisley College where he graduated with a BA(Hons) in Business Economics. From 1971 until 1976 he managed the family bakery firm A.H. Ingram and Son. From 1985 until 1986 he was a Senior Economic Assistant with the Manpower Services Commission then from 1987 to 1988
a Researcher and Lecturer at Paisley College. From 1989 to 1991 he worked with Development Options Ltd and from 1991 until 1995 for EES Consultants Ltd. From 1995 until his election in 1999 he was a Freelance economic consultant. In the parliament he is Convener of the Cross-Party Group on Mental Health.
Shadow Ministerial positions September 2000 - April 2003 - Shadow Deputy Minister for Finance September 2004 - Shadow Deputy Minister for Children & Early Education Recent electoral experience 2003 Scottish parliament election, Carrick, Cumnock & Doon Valley, 5,822 votes (16.94 %) 2003 Scottish parliament election, Third on SNP South of Scotland list, 48,371 votes (18.37 %) (elected) 1999 Scottish parliament election, Carrick, Cumnock & Doon Valley, 10,864 votes (26.44 %) 1999 Scottish parliament election, Third on SNP South of Scotland list, 80,059 votes (25.15 %) (elected) | ||
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4. Alasdair Morgan MSP (Also standing in Galloway & Upper Nithsdale constituency) |
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| Scottish National Party | ||
| Alasdair Morgan was born in Aberfeldy on 21st April 1945. He is married with two daughters and has a house in Crocketford in Kirkcudbrightshire. Educated at Glasgow University and through the Open University, Alasdair worked in the IT sector before his election to the Westminster Parliament. His main hobby is hill walking. Alasdair joined the Scottish National Party in 1974 and has been an active member ever since. He has held the posts of National Secretary, National Treasurer, Senior Vice Convener and Vice President. He was elected as Member of Parliament for Galloway & Upper Nithsdale at the 1997 General Election with a majority of 5,624 beating Cabinet Minister Ian Lang. While at Westminster Alasdair was the party's Chief Whip and was also a member of the Trade & Industry Select Committee. Alasdair stood down from Westminster in 2001 to concentrate on his work in the Scottish Parliament. In May 1999 Alasdair was also elected to represent Galloway & Upper Nithsdale in the Scottish Parliament with a majority of 3201. During the four year session he served for a time as Convener of the Parliament's Justice & Home Affairs Committee and later was shadow Minister for Finance. In May 2003 he lost that seat by 99 votes, but was elected as a regional member for the South of Scotland. He was for a time Convener of the Parliament's Enterprise and Culture Committee, and is now the SNP group's Chief Whip and Business Manager. He is also Deputy Convener of the Airdrie-Bathgate Railway and Linked Improvements Bill Committee and a Member of the Parliamentary Bureau. Parliamentary positions September 2000 - June 2001 - Convener of the Justice Committee May 2003 - September 2004 - Convener of the Enterprise & Culture Committee Shadow Ministerial positions May 1999 - September 2000 - Shadow Minister for Rural Affairs June 2001 - April 2003 - Shadow Minister for Finance September 2004 - September 2005 - Shadow Minister for Finance September 2005 - Business Manager & Chief Whip Party positions September 2000 - June 2001 - Westminster Parliamentary Group Leader May 2003 - September 2004 - Scottish Parliamentary Group Convener Recent electoral experience 2003 Scottish parliament election, Galloway & Upper Nithsdale, 11,233 votes (37.90 %) (defeated) 2003 Scottish parliament election, Second on SNP South of Scotland list, 48,371 votes (18.37 %) (elected) 1999 Scottish parliament election, Galloway & Upper Nithsdale, 13,873 votes (39.28 %) (elected) 1999 Scottish parliament election, First on SNP South of Scotland list, 80,059 votes (25.15 %) 1997 Westminster election, Galloway & Upper Nithsdale, 18,499 votes (43.91 %) (elected) 1992 Westminster election, Dumfries, 6,971 votes (14.3 %) 1987 Westminster election, Dundee West, 7,164 votes (15.3 %) 1983 Westminster election, Tayside North, 9,170 votes (24.3 %) | ||
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5. Aileen Campbell (Also standing in Clydesdale constituency) |
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| Scottish National Party | ||
| Originally from Perthshire, Aileen Campbell grew up on her parents' tenant farm. In 1998 she moved to the West Coast to study Politics and History at the University of Glasgow. Aileen is currently national convener of the SNP youth wing, the Young Scots for Independence. Since graduating, Aileen has worked as editor of
construction magazine Keystone and was editorial assistant on the pro-independence newspaper, the Scottish Standard. Aileen has also worked for Nicola Sturgeon and currently works as a
researcher for Shona Robison MSP and Stewart Hosie MP. Upon her selection, Aileen Campbell said: "I am absolutely delighted to have received the nomination to be the SNP's candidate for Clydesdale. Clydesdale is an incredibly beautiful and diverse constituency and I am very proud to have the opportunity to serve the people here. I hope to bring a great deal of energy and enthusiasm into my political campaign and to show the people of Clydesdale that the SNP is the only real alternative to New Labour. We are not just another political party, but one that cares about the people of Scotland and one that wants to make a genuine difference to society by regaining Scotland's sovereignty. One in four children and one in five pensioners live in poverty, we have been dragged into an illegal war on Iraq by Tony Blair and now he and New Labour want a new generation of expensive and dangerous nuclear power stations built in Scotland. Closer to home, the roads and the transport systems in the constituency are a disgrace. I want to bring big changes to Clydesdale, I want to engage with the people, and to listen and act upon their concerns. The SNP can win Clydesdale and my campaigning starts now." Recent electoral experience | ||
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6. Aileen Orr (Also standing in Roxburgh & Berwickshire constituency) |
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| Scottish National Party | ||
| Aileen Orr has been a member of the SNP for over 30 years and although standing for the Scottish Parliament for the first time, has been a campaign manager for many other candidates over Scotland. She co-founded the Independence Convention which has attracted support from Sir Sean Connery, Elaine C. Smith, Dougie MacLean and the Proclaimers. Aileen said: "I am delighted to represent Roxburgh and Berwickshire in 2007, I am already inundated with requests for assistance and information regarding problems within Berwickshire especially, every problem will be researched. "On the back of our success in Moray last week, I have asked Richard Lochead to come down and speak to supporters about adding to the winning formula in the Borders. With the assistance of my two worthy council candidates Alex Thomson and Donald Moffat, we will be a formidable team." SBC candidate Alex Thomson lives with his wife Joy in Coldstream. A former rugby player and now golfer, he is also agent to Aileen. Recent electoral experience 2005 Westminster Parliament election, Berwickshire, Roxburgh & Selkirk, 3,885 votes (8.6 %) 2004 Local Government by-election, Scottish Borders, Kelso & District North, 157 votes (18.5 %) | ||
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7. Andrew Sharp (Also standing in East Lothian constituency) |
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| Scottish National Party | ||
| Born in 1955, Andrew Sharp was educated at Glasgow High School and Perth Academy, and has a degree in History from Edinburgh University. Married with 2 daughters, he has been an IT professional for 20 years, and now holds a senior position with one of ScotlandÕs most innovative software companies. His interests include computers, UK and US politics, football, rugby, hillwalking and painting. Recent electoral experience | ||
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8. Dr Duncan Ross (Also standing in Cunningham South constituency) |
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| Scottish National Party | ||
| Duncan joined the SNP in 1987 and has held numerous positions at Branch and Constituency level. Currently he is a member of Glasgow West End branch and secretary of Glasgow Kelvin Constituency Association. He is also a member of the SNP's Standing Orders and Agenda Committee and of the Discipline Committee of the Party. In June 2006 he was elected SNP National Secretary to replace Alasdair Allan, who resigned from his post to relocate to Lewis in order to fight the Western Isles seat. Dr Ross stood for election to Glasgow City Council in 1999 and 2003 and was a candidate in the European election of 2004. Duncan was educated at the University of Glasgow and the London School of Economics. He has taught economics and management at universities in England, Sweden and New Zealand. He returned to Scotland in 1997, and is currently in the Department of Economic and Social History at the University of Glasgow, where he recently completed a term as Head of School of History and Archaeology. Upon his election as SNP National Secretary Dr Ross said "The next year is an important one for the Party as we prepare to win the Scottish Parliament election. I look forward to playing my part in the SNP's success next year as National Secretary." Recent electoral experience 2005 Westminster election, Coatbridge, Chryston & Bellshill, 5,206 votes (13.58 %) 2004 European election, Eighth on the SNP national list, 231,505 votes (19.67 %) 2003 Glasgow City Council election, Hayburn, 561 votes (20.07 %) 1999 Glasgow City Council election, Toryglen, 591 votes (22.88 %) | ||
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9. Dr Iain White (Also standing in Ayr constituency) |
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| Scottish National Party | ||
| Dr Iain White graduated in Science from Glasgow University, but for the past 25 years has run a small business, both here and in the south of England. Iain White was Chairman of the British Computer Society in Scotland for 5 years, resigning in March of this year to devote more time to politics. He is chairman of the Federation of Engineering Societies in Glasgow and the West of Scotland.Ê He is a family man with three adult children - and a dog! Upon his selection Dr White said: Recent figures show that every Scot is subsidising the rest of the UK by more than £800 per year. In other words, even before we improve our infrastructure and enterprise culture, every man, woman and child would be better off by at least £800 every year in an independent Scotland. The current reserves of North Sea Oil are worth £160,000 to each of us in Scotland today. This must be used, not just to improve the Education, Health Services and Social Services but to provide the quantum leap in these services earned by a wealthy nation. The SNP is committed to retaining the Accident and Emergency Unit at Ayr Hospital and will reverse and decision to close made by the Labour / Liberal coalition. The SNP will abolish business rates below £8,000 and reduce others to help to revitalise ailing town centres. This measure alone will benefit over 3,000 small businesses across South Ayrshire and regenerate Ayr town centre Recent electoral experience | ||
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10. Andrew Wood | |
| Scottish National Party | ||
| Andrew joined the SNP in 1996, taking over the convenership of Galloway and Upper Nithsdale constituency in 1997, South of Scotland Regional convener in 2000, working closely with Alasdair Morgan MSP. He has held a number of posts, serving on the community council, school board, NFUS and Independent farming group. Andrew has reduced his farming commitments and is now a Director and Agricultural Consultant for Scotmas Ltd, concentrating on developing purification of water and microbiological digesters and preservatives within both the UK and International markets. He is a married father of 5 girls 1 boy and enjoys family life and the grandfather status which two grandchildren bring. Andrew is a true supporter of rural pursuits and environmental issues, having petitioned the Scottish Parliament on animal welfare and small business support. He has worked with the Welsh Mountain Shepherds, in lobbying Brussels over SAP payments. In 2003 Andrew contested the Dumfries constituency in the Scottish Parliamentary election, raising SNP to third position. He was originally selected to contest Dumfries in 2007 but has stood down.
Recent electoral experience 2005 Westminster election, Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale & Tweeddale, 4,075 votes (9.13 %) 2003 Scottish parliament election, Dumfries, 3,931 votes (12.24 %) 2003 Scottish parliament election, Ninth on SNP South of Scotland list, 48,371 votes (18.37 %) | ||
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