A former submariner has been selected to stand in the forthcoming Moray Council elections.
Former Milne’s High School pupil Ray McLean has been chosen to contest the Elgin City South seat for the Conservatives – who make up the authority administration with independent members.
The activist could replace fellow Tory James Allan, who will instead fight to win a seat representing his hometown Lossiemouth in the Heldon and Laich ward.
Mr Allan said: “It’s been an enormous privilege to represent the people of Elgin South for the last five years.
“However, having recently moved from Elgin to Lossiemouth it seemed appropriate to seek election for the area where I actually now live.
“It’s a big area and a big challenge and I am looking forward to it.”
After leaving school in Fochabers, Mr McLean joined the Royal Navy as a submariner before working as an engineer in the oil industry.
The activist lives in the south of Elgin and fought for Better Together in the Scottish independence referendum campaign.
The Conservatives are campaigning to increase their three seats but prominent members Allan Wright and Douglas Ross will not stand in May’s vote.
Mr McLean said: “I’m honoured to have been chosen to stand. I look forward to meeting as many residents as possible during the campaign.”
The deadline for candidates to be nominated for the election is Wednesday, March 29.