Maurice Corry will stand as the Conservative candidate, and fellow Argyll and Bute councillor Aileen Morton will stand for the Liberal Democrats.

As the Reporter has previously revealed, Glasgow City Council councillor Martin Docherty, of Clydebank, is standing for the SNP. The current MP Gemma Doyle, of Labour, will seek re-election for the seat for which she won in 2010 with a 12,000 majority.

Mr Corry, a councillor in the Lomond North ward, is a former commissioned officer in the Army — regular forces as well as the Territorial Army (TA). He served in the Balkans in the early 1990s with NATO and in a support role in Afghanistan in 2006.

He said: “This is the most important, but unpredictable general election in a generation. As the Conservative candidate, I will be promoting the success of the long-term economic plan being implemented by the Conservative-led government which has seen one hundred new jobs created in Scotland every day. I would use my experience in business to help create the employment opportunities so badly needed across West Dunbartonshire.

“The Scottish people voted no in the referendum last year, so we need to move on from stale constitutional arguments and accept the outcome of the democratic process. I would argue that the Conservatives are best placed to form a strong and stable government, which has a track record of success, while a weak Labour government, supported by the SNP, would be unstable and could wreck the economic progress made in recent years.

“I would urge local residents across West Dunbartonshire to support my campaign and I promise to use all my experience in business, the TA and local government to build a better future for our community.” Ms Morton, a councillor for Helensburgh Central, was born in the Vale and grew up in Clydebank before moving to Helensburgh, where she now resides with husband Kwasi, and her two children.

She as a professional career in IT and she has also volunteered in the past for the Argyll and Bute Children’s Panel and West Dunbartonshire Citizens Advice Bureau.

Ms Morton told the Reporter she believes in the core values of the Liberal Democrats – civil liberties and a fairer society.

She added: “Following the outcome of the referendum last year the Liberal Democrats are also the party that have the clearest vision for how Scotland can have a strong, unique identity while still remaining a part of the UK.

“My family have worked for some of the most iconic Clydebank businesses like Singers and John Browns. It’s very difficult to adjust when major employers like that cease to exist and my focus if elected would be economic development and regeneration.

“Having people in work isn’t just good for the economy or for the bank balance of those individuals – it contributes to physical and mental wellbeing, can lead to better life expectancy and allows people to contribute to their community.” She said the biggest issues facing West Dunbartonshire are similar to those facing most area of the country – such as keeping the town centre busy.

Ms Morton added that West Dunbartonshire in particular is one of only four local authority areas in Scotland to see its population fall between the last two census dates – which means cuts to council funding and therefore an impact on services. But the area still has ‘lots of opportunities’.

She said: “With the gateway to the National Park within West Dunbartonshire and much of the area looking onto the Clyde then you add to that strong sense of community an attractive location with enormous potential for development.

“My wide range of experience – politically, professionally and as a volunteer – means that I have proven I could really deliver for the communities of West Dunbartonshire. I am used to working hard, listening to my constituents and finding innovative ways to improve their lives and the area they live within.” The election takes place on May 7.