A 20-YEAR OLD from Ancrum is among nine new candidates vying to become councillors in the Borders.

The Scottish Conservative Party has selected 16 candidates to fight in the 2017 local government elections.

Set to face the polls on Thursday, May 4, the team will include seven existing councillors seeking re-election in addition to nine new candidates, including Scott Hamilton, 20, standing for the first time.

Currently, the Scottish Conservatives are the largest party on the council, which is run by an SNP led coalition.

John Lamont MSP said: “This is the strongest team of candidates we have had in the Borders and it’s great to see the experience of existing councillors alongside some fresh new faces.

“The Borders is crying out for a strong alternative to the SNP, one which will focus on improving our public services rather than pushing for a re-run of the independence referendum.

“Our new candidates will be working hard over the next six months for votes and I’m sure they will do very well.”

Tory Group Leader and candidate for Selkirkshire, Michelle Ballantyne said: “Councillors are going to need to be intellectually able with a strong sense of what is right for their communities over the next five years.

“I am delighted to lead an experienced and very able team into the next election and I have every faith that voters who put their trust in them will be rewarded with hard working, passionate and effective voices.”

Borders Candidates:
East Berwickshire - Jim Fullarton
Mid Berwickshire - Mark Rowley, John Greenwell
Kelso & District - Simon Mountford, Tom Weatherston
Jedburgh & District - Scott Hamilton, Sandy Scott
Hawick & Denholm - Neil Richards
Hawick & Hermitage - George Turnbull
Selkirkshire - Michelle Ballantyne
Leaderdale & Melrose - Tom Miers, Diana Findlay
Galashiels & District - Euan Jardine
Tweeddale East - Shona Haslam
Tweeddale West - John Anderson, Eric Small