One of four people will have a major say in the overall administrative control at Moray Council when campaigning in the Buckie by-election gets under way this week.
The names of the four candidates who have thrown their hats in the ring to fight for the place vacated through the resignation of former member Anne McKay were announced last week – now all four are set to state their case for election.
Independent Councillor McKay stepped down after serving over six years as a councillor, leaving the Tory and Independent administration with an overall majority of just one.
Two Independents, one Tory and an SNP candidate will fight by by-election on Thursday, January 30 – with the count taking place at the Fishermen’s Hall in Buckie the following day.
Gordon Cowie, a former local authority roads worker and currently serving on the local community council, will run as an independent candidate as will Marc Macrae, who is a director at Buckie Thistle FC.
The Scottish Conservatives have selected Margaret Gambles to run on their behalf while the Scottish National Party candidate will be Linda McDonald, wife of sitting councillor Gordon McDonald.
Scottish Labour, Scottish Green Part and the Liberal Democrats are not contesting the by-election.