Banff & Buchan Liberal Democrats announce McInnes as Prospective Scottish Parliamentary Candidate

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 26th Mar 2007

One of Aberdeenshire Council's most senior councillors, Alison McInnes, has been chosen by the Liberal Democrats to contest the Banff & Buchan seat in this May's Scottish Parliamentary elections.

Cllr McInnes, who has represented Ellon and Area for 15 years said, "It's an honour to have been selected as the Prospective Scottish Parliamentary Candidate (PSPC) for Banff & Buchan. My Council role has meant that for many years now I have been heavily involved in campaigning for infrastructure improvements in the area. I believe the Scottish Liberal Democrats' policies offer a bright future for Banff & Buchan."

Cllr McInnes is one of Aberdeenshire Council's most senior councillors, having chaired its Infrastructure Services Committee for 8 years. She also chairs Nestrans - the Regional Transport Partnership for North East Scotland. She co -chairs the regeneration action plan Board 'Building Buchan New Beginnings' and the joint Strategic Planning Committee for the city and shire. For 6 years she served on the East Areas Board of Scottish Natural Heritage. At a local level she has been a strong ally of young people in their campaigns for better facilities and a stronger voice in decision making.

Alison and her husband Tom, both originally from Ayrshire, made the North East their home 24 years ago, settling in Ellon - the town known as "The Gateway to Buchan". They have 2 grown up children.

Edward Acton, Chairman of Banff & Buchan Local Party said,"Alison McInnes is an experienced and respected campaigner. She has a track record as an effective politician who listens to the community and consistently delivers results. Alison has campaigned successfully for major infrastructure improvements in Banff, Macduff , Fraserburgh and Peterhead. With many years of experience in lobbying for the area's needs in Edinburgh, London and Brussels, she has the drive and determination to be a very effective MSP."

Nicol Stephen, Leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats said "all the evidence of recent elections and current o