A 28-YEAR-OLD tennis coach is aiming to be elected to Scottish Borders Council (SBC).

Jonny Adamson, of Tweedbank, has been selected as the Scottish Liberal Democrats’ candidate in the by-election for the Leaderdale and Melrose ward.

The contest, scheduled following the death of SNP representative Kevin Drum in March, will be held on October 29.

Mr Adamson said: "It is a privilege to have the opportunity to represent my home ward in this election.”

The former Earlston High School pupil works as Orkney MSP Liam McArthur’s parliamentary and communications assistant.

But Mr Adamson is also among the Borders’ top tennis coaches – and he describes himself as “one of the leading campaigners for an indoor [tennis] facility”.

Looking ahead to the by-election, Mr Adamson said: “The Borders is now facing significant challenges on the back of this year and the council will need to make bold decisions over the months ahead to ensure that our communities are supported as best as possible.

"As someone who has grown up and lived in this area most of my life, I'm acutely aware of the frustration felt locally that the council imposes decisions onto communities with little prior consultation.

"This is compounded by anger over the current administration continuing to starve our public services and infrastructure, such as our roads and bus services, of much needed investment.

"It's not good enough from the current administration, and certainly not what is needed right now.

"This isn't time for party politics or further damaging cuts to our local services.

"Instead, we need a council that works together to address the everyday issues facing our region and is prepared to invest in our communities.

"I believe that this more pragmatic approach is possible and I'm asking voters to give me until the 2022 council elections to prove it.

"During that time, I will be an approachable representative who will listen and engage with residents, businesses and community groups across our ward and who will work tirelessly on their behalf to put their needs and views at the heart of local decisions.

"I would be incredibly proud to serve the residents of Lauderdale and Melrose and be their voice on the council."

Mr Adamson is a politics and history graduate from Stirling University.