Friday April 21st 2017
Ross Laird, Midlothian West
I have lived in Midlothian with my wife and family for the past ten years and, as a committed community leader focussed on the needs of young people, I believe that I can make a real difference to the lives of current and future generations. As Vice-Chair of YMCA Scotland and Penicuik YMCA, where I have been an active board member for many years, I see first-hand many of the needs of our young people.
As a keen outdoors person, I created Penicuik Cycle Group, which has secured funding for a variety of cycling projects in Midlothian, including running cycling events, training and schools projects. There is clearly scope to expand the work of the Council to create a more sustainable Midlothian.
Local development is also of critical concern to me. Using my keen understanding of local development issues I have fought for the protection and greater understanding of the Battle of Roslin site and have been working with local heritage organisations as an organiser of the national Dig It! 2017 festival of archaeology. With key housing and planning issues to the fore in Midlothian, I am keen to bring my professional skills to bear to ensure the area gets the housing and facilities it needs without sacrificing our finest countryside.
Creating work and new business opportunities for everyone in the area remains a priority. While my full time job involves running a communications consultancy, as a local employer I have worked with Beeslack High School on employability programmes.
Ken Brown – Penicuik
I am an incomer to Penicuik, 28 years ago married to a Penicuik girl for 26 years, I have made an effort to get involved with the local community.
I have been a member of the Penicuik Historical society for 27 years and I am now the treasurer.
I was also a member of the Penicuik Bridge club for over 20 years.
At present I am on the Board of the YMCA as treasurer and so I get an insight as to what can be done to help children and also adults.
I am vice-chairman of the Penicuik & District Community Council. I was chairman but handed over to a younger person at the last AGM.
I was elected as a Midlothian councillor 10 years ago and worked for the benefit of the people of Penicuik and Midlothian for 5 years.
My main hobbies are history and playing golf.
I feel I am ready to stand again especially with the way that politics is going.
I also have concerns about the number of houses being built in Midlothian and the impact it will have on services like schools, medical
practices and the road infrastructure which will be hit.
