There are two by-elections being held on 3 September to replace two councillors who became MSPs in the Scottish parliamentary election in May and who have since stood down from the council.

One of the candidates is the SNP candidate for Southside/Newington, Sam Mackenzie who is a Highlander who came to live in Edinburgh to study. He is a history student at the University of Edinburgh with a particular interest in American history.

Here is what he has to say on the eve of the poll:

“I’m a passionate young member of the SNP, originally from the Highlands, now living and studying in Edinburgh. 

“In the Highlands I gained experience working with community groups supporting vulnerable people in cooperation with my school and a local councillor. 

“Since coming to Edinburgh, I’ve become increasingly involved in political causes which are important to me, and I’ve enjoyed taking advantage of the opportunities that Edinburgh provides. (Even if I can’t get away to play my Bagpipes as often as I’d like).

“The reason I’m running in this by-election is because I’ve fallen in love with the city I now call home, I think we need more young people in politics, and I KNOW the people of Edinburgh deserve better than this administration.

“While campaigning, I’ve had three key priorities from day one –

  1. Housing – Not only having enough affordable and council housing, but ensuring that the council housing we have is properly cared for and maintained. The council needs to step up its game in terms of maintaining properties and taking care of issues such as damp 
  2. Climate priorities- Big cities obviously generate more of a carbon footprint, and I think that it’s imperative that the council take environmental concerns very seriously when considering new developments, and expansions to existing ones.
  3. Community Cohesion – it’s no secret that some of the rhetoric in politics has been truly vile lately surrounding certain areas of debate. I think it’s absolutely critical that Edinburgh continue to be a welcoming and inclusive city. Edinburgh’s greatest strength is our diversity, and it should be at the forefront of any council’s agenda to ensure that it continues.

“I’m hoping to work hard with these priorities in mind if I’m elected tomorrow, and I hope that my vision for Edinburgh is one that many of you share.”

The by-election in Southside/Newington takes place on 3 September.

The list of candidates is as follows:

  • Elliott, Ruth – Scottish Labour Party
  • Emms, Derrick – Edinburgh & East Lothian People
  • Gastel Alejandre, Isabella – Scottish Greens
  • Keirdashian, Roisin – Independent
  • Khovanov, Artie – Scottish Liberal Democrats
  • Layden, Nick – Scottish Conservative and Unionist
  • Lucas, Richard Crewe – Scottish Family Party – Christian Values
  • Mackenzie, Sam Alexander – Scottish National Party (SNP)
  • Moffat, Sean McGregor – Alliance for Democracy and Freedom
  • Neill, Gary – Reform UK
  • Rowbotham, Markham – Edinburgh & East Lothian People
  • Shillcock, Richard – Communist Party of Britain
  • Wilkinson, Marc – Edinburgh & East Lothian People

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