Highland and Islands MSP, Douglas Ross, has backed the former director of a Moray football club taking his place on the local authority when he relinquishes his seat.
The Conservative politician has continued to represent the Fochabers Lhanbryde ward on Moray Council since being elected to Holyrood in May.
But he will soon leave the local government post he has occupied since 2007, and has thrown his support behind Tory candidate Marc Macrae.
The latter yesterday announced he had been selected by the party to contest the Fochabers Lhanbryde ward in May’s council elections.
He said: “These are tough times for local government, and I aim to make my knowledge and experience count as much as possible when it comes to ensuring council services meet the needs of local people.”
Mr Macrae was brought up in Fochabers, and has worked in broadcasting, telecommunications, computing and education.
The 49-year-old was director and secretary of Buckie Thistle FC until ill health caused him to step down.
But he subsequently overcame a battle with cancer, and now works as a parliamentary assistant as well as helping to lead the Morayvia aviation charity at Kinloss.
He lives in Fochabers with his wife, Sarah, and four of the couple’s five children.
If elected, he has pledged to prioritise education and protect rural areas from unwanted development.
Mr Ross added: “I’m delighted Mr Macrae has agreed to stand. I know from experience that he would be a very hardworking and conscientious representative for people in the Fochabers Lhanbryde ward.”