Home   News   Article

Two Conservative, one SNP, one Labour, one Green and one Independent representatives in the running for the Forres ward in the Moray Council elections


By Garry McCartney

Easier access to your trusted, local news. Subscribe to a digital package and support local news publishing.



Click here to sign up to our free newsletters!

A TOTAL of six candidates are standing for four positions as councillors for the Forres ward.

The local elections will be held on Thursday, May 5 for a total of elect 26 positions across eight areas, followed by the count and declaration on the following day.

Two Conservatives are in the running for Forres with one SNP, one Labour, one Green and one Independent representative.

James Hynam
James Hynam

Labour candidate James Hynam:

“I first got involved with local activism a few years ago, when I was appalled by the council’s plans to scrap school lollipop crossing patrols. Like most local parents, I’m hugely concerned by the shocking decline in attainment in Moray’s schools. Every parent I know wants councillors who will stop bickering and start working together to solve these problems.

“As a healthcare worker, I am acutely aware of the inadequacies of care in the community. Local maternity services still haven’t been restored to Dr Gray’s.

“Forres High Street has been disproportionately hit in recent years, both by Covid and the withdrawal of all major bank branches. I want to fight for urgent action to reverse this decline, including a potential Forres BID.

“I am a new candidate with new ideas, which, I believe, reflect the concerns of the community.”

Scott Lawrence
Scott Lawrence

SNP candidate Scott Lawrence:

“I look forward to the opportunity to stand as a Forres councillor.

“I have recently became self-employed after 24 years as a Forres postie so I find I have the time, the will, and the life experience to take on the responsibility of representing my home town.

“If elected I would look to promote positive change within the Forres area, as a therapist this is something I help people with daily.

“Forres has a proud tradition and history and I recognise the importance of being able to look back and learn.

“However, I feel that the Forres area can also look forward to build new facilities and change in innovative ways to not only attract tourists but also public sector workers. If I am elected this will allow myself and the other SNP councillors to continue providing the best possible public services to the people of Forres and Moray.”

Paul McBain
Paul McBain

Conservative Paul McBain:

“I have lived in Moray nearly all my adult life, raised my family here and built my business here. We live in Kinloss and have run the Post Office and shop in Forres for the past 15 years.

“As a parent of four grown up children and four grandchildren I want to work with others in ensuring my grandchildren have a choice in staying in the area as adults with their family with local job and affordable housing.

“My priorities if elected will be: Health and Social Care – To future proof vital local services including Maternity unit in Doctor Gray’s Hospital and local attendance of specialists; Education – To provide adequate resources and ensure all pupils have the same opportunities in reaching their full potential; Infrastructure – Better broadband for all, travel links between towns and villages and encourage businesses to invest in the area; Environment – Adequate green space protected and emphasis on sustainability in all future planning decisions; Recovery from the Pandemic – All working together in helping businesses and communities to move forward.”

Shaun Moat
Shaun Moat

Independent Shaun Moat:

“I am standing as the only independent candidate for Forres and want to stand up for local issues and not be told by political parties that I need to vote on this and that because it’s the party’s manifesto.

“We have one of the worst attainment levels in Scotland and an academy not fit for its purpose.

“If elected I want to work with all Forres councillors to look at ways we can work with head teachers, pupils and parents to raise our attainment.

“I will also be pressing for a new academy to be built for Forres.

“I don’t feel we should be accepting a patch-up of the current school.

“Our youth have a lack of facilities and the proposed all-weather pitch, outdoor gym and skate park are all key facilities to help our young people develop and I would support get these built for Forres.”

Kathleen Robertson
Kathleen Robertson

Conservative Kathleen Robertson:

“I have been a vet in the area since 2001 and served on school parent councils.

“I am also the chair of the Forres Community Council.

“I have always been willing and proven to serve the community during times of crisis, such as working during the Foot and Mouth outbreak, being a a contact tracer throughout the pandemic and most recently as a contingency veterinarian for the Bird Flu outbreak.

“I have been involved in veterinary politics for over 10 years and am keen to transfer my skillset to local politics.

“I am aware of the issues around education and the learning estate as I have two boys currently at Forres Academy.

“I am particularly passionate about Social Care, having experienced the difficulty in navigating the system with my father and am concerned how the National Care Service is going to be delivered in Moray.

“I have decided to stand as I want to ensure services are delivered fairly to Moray.”

Draeyk van der Horn
Draeyk van der Horn

Scottish Green Dræyk van der Hørn:

“I have a long history of being in service to communities: spearheading food networks; assemblies and neighbourhood groups.

“If I believe in empowering others to make the change they want to see in the world, I need to do the same.

“I am passionate about good food and see it is a common we all share, we all eat! Food to me is about togetherness, affordability, wellbeing, happiness, and contentment. It is how we take care of ourselves and others, at all ages, in all areas of life.

“So, I care about our high street - let’s keep our bank, I care about our land - let’s put Transition Town on firmer footing, I care about our planet - let’s insulate homes, cut energy use and bills.

“I am here to listen, inquire and act alongside you. That’s why I’m standing with the Scottish Green Party in Forres, for Forres.”



Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.



This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More