SELKIRK councillor Gordon Edgar is hoping to be the only independent candidate standing in the European election – if it takes place.

The executive member for roads and infrastructure will join fellow Borders councillors Shona Haslam (Cons) and Heather Anderson (SNP) on the ballot paper.

Former deputy leader of SBC Catriona Bhatia is also standing for the Liberal Democrats.

Mr Edgar told us: "I am hoping to be the only independent candidate on the ballot paper.

"I can't think of any party I would vote for and I think there are a lot of people who think the same as me.

"Standing as an independent gives them a choice.

"I realise it would only be for six months, but that time would allow me to make sure all of our European funding is in place.

"I will be standing up for tourism, agriculture, fishing and transport."

Last week, the Tories, SNP and Liberal Democrats released a list of their candidates standing for the Scotland constituency.

Current SBC leader Shona Haslam will be third choice on the ballot paper for the Conservatives.

She told us: “I am absolutely delighted to have been selected.”

The former charity worker is the only candidate on the party’s list from the Borders.

The other hopefuls include first choice Nosheena Mobarik, an incumbent member and second choice Iain McGill, a businessman from Leith.

It was also announced on Thursday that former Tweeddale councillor and ex-deputy leader of SBC Catriona Bhatia will be standing for the Liberal Democrats.

Mrs Bhatia, who is the daughter of Borders peer David Steel, is also the party’s third choice behind Sheila Ritchie and Fred Mackintosh.

Meanwhile, Tweeddale West councillor Heather Anderson is on the list for the SNP.

She said: "[I am] Absolutely delighted and honoured to be shortlisted as one of the six SNP EU candidates.

"What an opportunity to fight for Scotland's interests in Europe."

The European elections are due to take place on Thursday, May 23 – if the UK has not left the EU by then.

At total of 73 MEPs will be elected to represent 12 UK regions.

At the polling station, the public will be asked to vote for a party or independent individual.

The more votes a party gets, the more candidates will be elected from their list.