A quick look at the first preference votes for each party in West Garioch compared to 2012. The Conservative message – one which I still believe to be irrelevant to a council election – appears to have reached people who didn’t vote in 2012.
At A Glance: First Preference Votes In West Garioch
Excellent news that Green Councillors Martin Ford and Paul Johnston have reformed the Democratic Independent and Green Group on Aberdeenshire Council.
The DIGG has worked well for several years, seeking common ground with other progressive groups and individuals on the Council to good effect. They’ve had some notable achievements, making a real difference for Aberdeenshire residents.
That’s it. The polls are closed and the votes are in.
Whatever happens tomorrow, I know that I have done everything I possibly could with the time and resources available to me. That is thanks to the many people who have helped and supported me over recent months; you know who you are and you will receive fuller thanks in the coming days.
The polls open at 7.00 in the morning folks. I have spoken to very few people during this campaign who have told me they’re not intending to vote but history tells us that something like 65% of people won’t.
In this election, possibly more than any other, your vote will count, will make a difference and will go towards deciding who will be your representative to make decisions about schools, roads, waste and all the other services we all rely on.
Please vote, and if you’re in West Garioch and would like a councillor who will work hard for you and always prioritise key services, please give me your number 1 preference.
Aberdeenshire Manifesto: Communities & Well-Being
With two days to go, here’s some more from our Aberdeenshire manifesto; communities and well-being. As a provider of a wide range of public services, Aberdeenshire Council has a key role in promoting good health and helping people lead a happy and fulfilling life.
Timetable Changes Imminent
These changes to the X20 bus service between Kemnay and Aberdeen have come about to accommodate a reduction in the 37 service. I accept that compromise must be made but Kemnay and Alford users appear to be bearing the brunt of that compromise.
Aberdeenshire Manifesto: An Innovative Approach To Affordable Housing
More from our local manifesto – our innovative approach to affordable housing. We recognise that the availability of affordable housing is a major constraint in the north-east. We therefore want the Council to develop a project we will call ‘A House for Aberdeenshire’.
Aberdeenshire Manifesto: A Circular Economy & Reducing Waste
As we approach next week’s election, I’ll be posting some key aspects of our Aberdeenshire manifesto. Firstly, our desire for a circular economy and the reduction of waste. The Council’s journey from ‘waste disposal’ to ‘resource management’ must continue. The Council should commit itself fully to the circular economy approach to reducing waste.
Image Still Looking For A Reason To Vote Green In Aberdeenshire?

After three referendums in recent years that were run erroneously along the lines of an election, this year we are going to have two elections that some would have us treat as referendums.
I will continue to fight next month’s election on local issues. However much some tell you otherwise, the simple truth is that councillors elected next month will be asked to make decisions on matters such as school funding, waste collection, road repairs.
It’s a local election. Keep it that way.