THE candidates for the Leaderdale and Melrose by-election have been announced.

In a press release issued by Scottish Borders Council – on behalf of the returning officer – on Monday (February 8), the names of the seven candidates competing to represent the ward were released.

They are: Jonny Adamson (Scottish Liberal Democrats); Mary Douglas (Independent); Jenny Linehan (Scottish Conservative and Unionist); Michael Needham (Scottish Green Party); John Paton-Day (Scottish National Party); Scott Redpath (Scottish Labour Party); and Karen Wilks (Independent).

The by-election is taking place following the death of SNP councillor Kevin Drum in March last year.

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Residents aged 16 and over in places including Tweedbank, Melrose, Earlston and Lauder are eligible to vote in the by-election – which will take place on Thursday, March 11.

Those wishing to participate in the by-election are being urged to apply to vote by midnight on Tuesday, February 23.

The deadline for postal vote applications is at 5pm on Wednesday, February 24. Proxy votes are also available, with a later deadline of March 3, at 5pm.

Polling stations will be open, according to the council, with coronavirus safety measures in place.

One candidate will be elected, with voters asked to rank the seven in order of preference (1-7).