Angus sets his sights on Blackford's Westminster role

Fort William Businessman Angus MacDonald has revealed he has put his name in the hat to become the Scottish Liberal Democrat Prospective Parliamentary Candidate (PPC) for Ross, Skye and Lochaber.

 

Applications for the position have now closed and the local party will now conduct a selection in line with national party rules, which will involve a shortlist being drawn up by committee and then an internal election by local members to choose one of the shortlisted applicants.

 

The Lochaber Times believes there are only two candidates for the position, the other being former Highland councillor for Caol and Mallaig, Denis Rixon.

 

One of four elected members for the Fort William and Ardnamurchan ward on Highland Council, Mr MacDonald is hoping to follow in the footsteps of former Lochaber High School pupil Charles Kennedy who was the Lib Dem MP for Ross, Skye and Lochaber from 1983 to 2015.

 

'I would be delighted if I was selected by the local Liberal Democrat members,' said Councillor MacDonald.

 

'I have very big ambitions and am very keen to make things happen both within Lochaber and out in the wider community.

 

'I would certainly work night and day to get the message out as to why Ross, Skye and Lochaber needs a strong local opponent to Ian Blackford at Westminster.

 

'The SNP has neglected the basic running of our country while focusing on Independence.

 

'The West Highlands are being ignored, the Belford Hospital, the Corran Crossing, the A82 all need investment.

 

'The Central Belt has had massive infrastructure spend. Blackford has done precious little for us, we need the seat to be returned to the Liberal Democrats.'

 

Mr MacDonald was busy this week putting the finishing touches to his potential  constituency office at the west end of Fort William High Street. Incidentally situated in the former Nationalist 'Aye' building.