Election / Douglas hoping for third time lucky in by-election
ANOTHER name has come forward for the North Isles council by-election.
Stewart Douglas will vie for the ward’s vacant seat when the community goes to the polls on 4 August.
He competed in the Shetland South ward in May’s election, and also stood in a by-election in Shetland Central in 2019 – on that occasion for the SNP. In both elections he fell short.
Douglas, who runs his own chartered construction and transport management consultancy business, said: “While it was disappointing not to have been elected in May this year, I have been really encouraged by the number of people and work colleagues from the island communities who have suggested I put myself forward to represent them.
“While I am known to many through my former work as an SIC building standards surveyor, my work these days includes involvement in a major construction project in the ward, as well as providing surveying, and certification services on many commercial and self-build housing projects on the isles.”
In his career Douglas has worked with over a third of Scotland’s 32 local authorities and has provided support on local projects such as the Shetland Gas Plant, the Scalloway fish market redevelopment and the new Asta camping site facility.
He said: “These are exciting and challenging times for the North Isles and I’m looking forward to discussing these fully over the forthcoming weeks.
“If elected, I would take my lead from constituents, businesses, organisations and the community councils to ensure that their needs, wants, and aspirations are fully aired when appropriate and at council meetings, and when council decisions are being made”.
He also said it will be good news for “democracy to know that an election will now actually take place” after the ward was uncontested in May.
Marie Williamson previously signalled her intent to stand in the by-election, while Robert Thomson has also put himself forward.
People have until 4pm on Friday (1 July) to submit their nomination for the by-election.
The North Isles ward covers Yell, Unst, Fetlar, Whalsay and Skerries, and its current councillors are Duncan Anderson and Ryan Thomson.
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