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Rae Mackenzie,  SNP

Steòrnabhagh a Deas / Stornoway South

I am married to Nellie and we have two grown-up children, Jackie, who is a watch officer with Stornoway Coastguards, and Ross who works in I.T.in London.We have always lived in Stornoway except for nine years on the Braighe. Our children went to Sandwick School and Stornoway Primary,followed by the Nicolson.

I was elected to Stornoway Town Council in 1970 and was the youngest ever Stornoway Town Councillor.The following year I was elected Dean of Guild. I was re-elected in 1973 and served until 1975.

In 1974 the first elections took place for the new council Comhairle nan Eilean, and I was elected for Bayhead ward. I was re-elected in 1978 serving for another four years. Although I did not stand in 1982 due to my work, I was elected again at a bye-election the following year in 1983 for Manor Park. I was re-elected in 1986,and again in 1990.

After a further 4 years I left the council due to my employment. By then I had served 23 years between both councils. During my time on Comhairle nan Eilean, I served as chairman of a number of committees, including Environmental Services, and Land and Buildings. I also served on Stornoway Trust and the Harbour Commission for nine years.

I worked for over 40 years in the Harris Tweed Industry. After three years training in Galashiels, I spent 41 years with Kenneth Mackenzie Ltd. In 2008 I was asked to join as Sales Director of the new mill in Shawbost where, through my contacts, I was able to set up the marketing and world-wide sales force. I spent over two years there and I am pleased as a result, and through the efforts of the workforce, that the new mill has resuscitated the Harris Tweed industry which had been in dire straits.

In (much) earlier years I played for Stornoway Rugby Club and Stornoway Rovers. I also by some fluke won the Golf Winter League and Table Tennis League. This was obviously due to the efforts of my team-mates and in all cases I am afraid that I can say I will no longer be available!

I have been a member of the SNP since the Branch was founded here. I was Chairman of the Branch and Constituency at various times-going back to the time when Donald Stewart was MP.

There are a number of genuine Independent candidates. There are many however, that are activists in various parties-including Parliamentary candidates - who will of course pursue their own agendas and stand as "Independent." We have already seen how independent they are. Whatever a candidate’s political leanings, their first priority is to the residents of their ward.

In over 40 years of public service,23 years as a councillor, I have always endeavored to fight for my ward and the people I represent -and if you elect me on 3rd May, I will do so again.

It is time for a change.