Wednesday May 7th 2025
Written by Midlothian View Editor, Phil Bowen
Colin Beattie has been selected by his local SNP branch to stand again for the constituency of Midlothian North. There were three candidates standing for selection; Mr Beattie the incumbent MSP, Kelly Parry the Leader of Midlothian Council and Councillor Stuart McKenzie.
Colin Beattie this morning told Midlothian View
“I would like to thank the members who gave me this solid mandate. Their trust and confidence is not given lightly and is truly appreciated and valued. I will give my best efforts to ensure that I do not fail to deliver on my commitments.”
He continued “The shape of our constituency changes as from next May. We lose Musselburgh, Wallyford, and Whitecraig where I have built up a strong network in the local community over many years. I will miss so many people and organisations with whom I currently work closely. We gain Newtongrange and district where I will reconnect with the community and people with whom I worked during my 5 years as a local Councillor. This means disappointment in no longer having our friends in East Lothian, but pleasure to represent Midlothian North where I live and to again have Newtongrange in my patch.”
“I am looking forward to the coming campaign year where I will bring a positive message to the constituency. We face many challenges as a community. Sometimes it seems as if these are unsurmountable. Yet I have faith in our collective ability to deal with them – hard as it must be sometimes. The constant diet through the media of negativity and doom and disaster may sell newspapers and drive online engagement but it does not restore our confidence in ourselves or others. Yet most people are simply looking for a decent quality of life and the peace and security to enjoy it. Politicians are responsible for ensuring that – but so far do not seem to be making much of a job of it across the world. We do need change. If we simply carry on as we are we will not prosper. It is time for a rethink and I will share my thoughts on this over the coming months”.
The Scottish parliament elections will take place next year. The election date has not yet been confirmed but it is expected to be held in May 2026.
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