Central Buchan Councillors Welcome Scottish Government Funding for Formartine & Buchan Way

SNP councillors for Central Buchan David Mair and Geoff Crowson have welcomed the announcement from NESTRANS – the North-east’s regional transport partnership – that it has been successful in bidding for £500,000 from the Scottish Government’s Regional Transport Partnership Active Travel Grant.

The Formartine and Buchan Way will be one of five different projects across the region which will share in the funding.

Commenting, Cllr Geoff Crowson said:

“I’m delighted that improvements to the Formartine and Buchan Way will be carried out as a result of this funding from the Scottish Government.

“The route is very well-used by local residents and visitors to the area and it’s therefore important to keep it maintained to a high standard. This funding will help with replacement bridges as part of a wider programme of repairs.”

Cllr David Mair added:

“This is good news for the Buchan area. In addition to supporting the Formartine and Buchan Way, the funding will also help with bike recycling, repair and reuse as well as providing discounted and affordable bikes for children aged 4-16, and also a survey of the Core Path Network locally which should lead to greater accessibility."

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SNP Gain Additional Seat in Central Buchan

The Scottish National Party was celebrating increasing its number of councillors in Buchan from 3 to 4 at last week’s election in a closely-fought contest.

The addition of two new councillors in Central Buchan in the shape of David Mair and Geoff Crowson, replacing Jim Ingram who retired at the election, means an increase in SNP representation on the Buchan Area Committee.

Commenting, Cllr David Mair said:

“I would like to thank everyone who cast their vote for me last Thursday. It’s an honour to be elected to represent Central Buchan and I look forward to getting down to work for the people of this area.”

Cllr Geoff Crowson added:

“Jim Ingram has been a very hard-working representative for Central Buchan for the past 10 years and I hope to live up to his work rate and will do my best for the communities of Central Buchan.”

The first preference results were as follows:

Central Buchan

CON	Hannah	Powell	871	18.7%	elected
SNP	David	Mair	744	16.0%	elected
SNP	Geoff	Crowson	705	15.1%	elected
CON	Steve	Owen	679	14.6%
LD	Anne	Simpson	607	13.3%	elected
IND	Norman	Smith	527	11.3%
LAB	Arif	Mahmood	213	4.6%
GRN	Jamie	Cole-Hamilton	135	2.9%
ALBA	Charlotte	Cross	111	2.4%
SFP	Joanna	Moore	65	1.4%

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SNP Back on Top of the Polls in Peterhead

Smith Records Largest Percentage Vote in Aberdeenshire
The SNP topped the polls in both Peterhead seats at last week’s council elections with candidates Leeann McWhinnie and Stephen Smith both elected. The results represent a reversal of the 2017 outcome where the Conservatives took most votes in both wards.

Leeann McWhinnie was elected in Peterhead North and Rattray in place of long-serving SNP councillor Anne Allan who stood down at this election. Stephen Smith was elected for a fourth term in Peterhead South and Cruden with 46.5% of the vote, the largest percentage vote for any candidate in Aberdeenshire at this election.

 
Commenting, Cllr Stephen Smith said:

“First of all I’d like to thank everyone who took the time to vote for me at this election. Their support is greatly appreciated. I’m delighted with the result, which is a 10 per cent increase on the SNP vote in Peterhead South and Cruden in 2017.”

Newly-elected councillor for Peterhead North & Rattray Leeann McWhinnie added:

“I would like to pay tribute to Anne Allan for her many years of service as a local councillor and wish her well in her retirement. I’m very grateful to the voters of Peterhead North and Rattray for putting their trust in me with such a large vote.

“I’m looking forward to engaging with local groups and residents and will do my best for all the communities within the Ward and to represent all residents regardless of who they voted for or whether they voted.”

The first preference results for each ward were as follows:

Peterhead South & Cruden

SNP	Stephen	Smith	1578	46.5%	elected
CON	George	Hall	1105	32.5%	elected
LD	Colin	Simpson	414	12.2%	elected
CON	Neil	Johnston	298	8.8%

Peterhead North & Rattray

SNP	Leeann	McWhinnie	1222	29.1%	elected
IND	Dianne	Beagrie	974	23.2%	elected
CON	Matthew	James	599	14.3%	elected
IND	Alan	Buchan	548	13.0%	elected
CON	Iain	Sutherland	523	12.5%
LD	Kevin	Anderson	156	3.7%
ALBA	Trish	McPherson	99	2.4%
IND	Sharon	Bradford	79	1.9%

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Aberdeenshire's SNP Group Leader Meets with First Minister Ahead of May Elections

Aberdeenshire’s SNP Group Leader has met with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon in the north-east ahead of next week’s council elections.

The First Minister, who was also in Aberdeen for the annual STUC conference, met with Councillor Gwyneth Petrie on the SNP’s campaign bus ahead of polling day on May 5th.

It comes after both the national and local manifestos were announced earlier this month.

Councillor Gwyneth Petrie, who currently represents the ward of Huntly, Strathbogie and Howe of Alford, has been group leader since 2020.

The mum-of-two also has also worked for Gillian Martin MSP as an Office Manager since 2016 leading her constituency team.

Commenting, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said:

“It was a pleasure to meet with Gwyneth ahead of the council elections, she is both a strong election candidate and has been an impressive group leader for the SNP in Aberdeenshire during a challenging time.

“We know how important it is to have more young women in politics so to have a female-led council group is brilliant to see.

“The north-east, like much of Scotland, has been abandoned by the Tories time and time again and the best way voters can make themselves heard is at the ballot box on May 5th.

“The Tories in Aberdeenshire have spent more time defending a Westminster government and Prime Minister who short-changes the region rather than standing up for the people of the North East.

“We know the future for the north-east is a bright one - with £500 million of investment already made by the Scottish Government in the Just Transition from fossil fuels to sustainable energy.

“While the Tories continue to let down families, communities and businesses across the region - with broken promises and damaging cuts, it is only SNP councillors who will stand up to protect them and make their voices heard.”

Councillor Gwyneth Petrie said:

“The First Minister is more determined than ever to ensure the SNP delivers for the north-east.

“It was clear from our discussion that the First Minister is determined to support those living and working in Aberdeenshire while the Tories continue to short-change region.

“The SNP continues to invest and plan for the future with a commitment to creating prosperity and security for everyone as we recover from the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic, Brexit and the cost of living crisis.

“The choices that voters make will set the direction we take locally, in terms of what our economy, environment and public services look like for many years to come.”

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