David McKay
A group of north-east businessmen have given public backing to the Scottish Conservative candidate for Aberdeen South.
The five individuals, who all run local companies, have signed a letter in support of city councillor Ross Thomson.
The Tory candidate is considered an outsider in the race for the Aberdeen South seat, which has been held by Labour since 1997.
The main challenger and bookies’ favourite to topple Labour’s Dame Anne Begg is the SNP’s Callum McCaig.
But Mr Thomson said he was “absolutely delighted” to secure public support from the private sector.
Tom Smith (Inverusk Services Ltd), Gary Walker (Gary Walker and Co), David Burnside (Burnside Legal Services), Douglas Hay (Aberdeen Drilling Consultants) and Steve Robertson (Robertson and Associates) have all signed the letter, along with Rubislaw Estates Ltd.
The letter says the Conservative-led coalition has got the UK economy “on the right track”, reducing the deficit, keeping interests rates low and growing employment.
It adds: “The Conservatives are on the side of small business – reducing red tape, lowering taxes, investing in infrastructure and broadband all of which businesses like ours rely on.”
Mr Thomson said: “Employers in Aberdeen can take on more workers because of what this current government has done. These business people recognise that and they want stability, they don’t want uncertainty.”
Mr Thomson’s SNP opponent Mr McCaig has won the backing of another well-known businessman, hotelier Stewart Spence.
The Marcliffe owner said that it was time for “new blood” and was giving his support to the former SNP council leader.
Dame Anne retained the seat in 2010 with a majority of more than 3,500, with the SNP back in fourth place with just 11.9% of the vote.
The Liberal Democrats are fielding Denis Rixson for Aberdeen South, the Green party Dan Yeats and Ukip Sandra Skinner, while there is also an Independent on the ballot paper, Christopher Gray.