A DUMBARTON local has flung his name into the hat challenging Jackie Baillie MSP for the Dumbarton constituency seat, making the SNP candidacy now a 5-way tussle.

Candidate Scott Lafferty, who has 16 years’ experience working in Scotland’s voluntary sector supporting and representing some of Scotland’s most under-represented and disadvantaged citizens and communities, is the fifth Dumbarton SNP hopeful alongside Math Campbell-Sturgess, Toni Giugliano, Lorna Douglas and Karen Conaghan.

Scott calls Dumbarton “his home” and lives in the area with his husband.

He told the Reporter: “I know what it is like to grow up in poverty, experience discrimination and to be the first in your family to go to college and university. Around a quarter of kids growing up in the Constituency live in poverty, much of which has been created by successive UK Government welfare cuts. That is simply not acceptable.

“The people of the Dumbarton Constituency deserve better and I am determined to stand up for them in our national parliament.

"I believe the people and communities of the Dumbarton Constituency are worthy of having an MSP who serves their needs, priorities, and their aspirations. I believe that they have this in me and that is why I am putting myself forward for selection.

“I am a seasoned campaigner who can motivate others and work with you as part of a team and I have the leadership skills and experience to do so. I have what is needed to influence and manage change, and I have the values, passion, and skills to stand up for the Dumbarton Constituency.”