David Baron (Scottish Labour Party)

AFTER living and working in Lancashire, my wife and I moved to Halkirk some three years ago. I taught in secondary education for 25 years and was an active member of the National Union of Teachers.

I was elected to Rossendale District Council and Lancashire County Council and served for 17 years.

In asking for your support in Landward Caithness I am bringing the immense experience of a councillor used to dealing with major budgets.

The Lancashire education budget was £750 million spread over 720 schools and other educational establishments.

As vice-chairman of the committee responsible for handling the conflicting demands on such a budget I was keenly aware of the impact of political decisions.

In contrast, as chairman of governors of a rural primary school with 60 pupils, I led a successful campaign to keep the school open.

It is these contrasting experiences that I feel I could employ in the forthcoming debate over the future of Caithness primary schools.

To meet the responsibility of offering a real service to every community I am pledged to hold regular surgeries at any appropriate venue.

I have the experience of dealing with recalcitrant officers whilst working within a complex political situation that requires a personal force to achieve true representation of constituents.

With your support I can offer five years of unstinting service.

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