The Moray Conservative Party has declared their candidate in the forthcoming by-election for the Buckie ward of Moray Council.
Agriculture sector worker Tim Eagle will seek election on March 26. The 35-year-old has two children aged three and four and is married to Rachel, a GP, with the family living at their smallholding in Drybridge.
The family run a small flock of sheep and have chickens and ducks while growing their own fruit and vegetables.
Tim said: “Joe Mackay was a great servant to Buckie and it’s very sad that we are having this by-election, but I am standing as I believe I can take a new perspective to Moray Council.
“I have a young family and am looking at my children’s future education, where we take them for leisure activities and how we can encourage more business and enterprise to this part of Moray to encourage more families to locate here.
“I have also worked with many local farmers in the surrounding area so I know the rural economy of the ward. I studied as part of my postgraduate courses in rural development so I have an insight in the issues which can effect these areas.
“This is an important election for Moray Council and I look forward to getting out and about around the ward meeting as many people as possible and listening to the issues people raise in Buckie and the surrounding areas.”
Fochabers/Lhanbryde councillor Douglas Ross said: “It’s great we have a young, local candidate such as Tim who is enthusiastic to work hard for his local community on the council.
“As someone with a young family he will bring another different dimension to the council chambers and I think it’s important that we have a range of different backgrounds and interests amongst the elected members on the council.
“Buckie has been well served in the past by strong local representatives and I know Tim would follow in that vein if elected.”
So far former ‘Great British Bake Off’ contestant Norman Calder (independent) and local businesswoman Sonya Warren (SNP) have declared themselves for the by-election, called after the death of independent councillor Joe Mackay.