Local community campaigner Julie Calder has been selected by the Highland Liberal Democrats to contest the Wick and East Caithness by election on 1 October.
The mother and grandmother will campaign on restoring local maternity services, improving roads and tackling pressures on social care as she seeks a seat on Highland Council.
Her selection follows the election of David Green as MSP for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross earlier this year with a majority of 5,092 votes.
The Liberal Democrats say they hope to build on that result when voters in Wick and East Caithness return to the polls next month.
Maternity provision is expected to feature prominently in Calder’s campaign, with consultant led maternity services at Caithness General Hospital having been withdrawn in 2016.
Many expectant mothers from Caithness now travel more than 100 miles to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness to give birth.
Calder has pledged to continue campaigning alongside Caithness Health Action Team and the local Liberal Democrat team for maternity services closer to home.
She said:
“I’m proud to be standing for the community I know and love.
“As a mother and grandmother, I know how important it is that families can access the services they need close to home.
“No family should have to worry about travelling more than 100 miles to give birth.
“I will keep fighting alongside CHAT (Caithness Health Action Team) and our Lib Dem team to ensure our voice is heard and families get the services they deserve.
“I also want to see action on the state of our roads.
“People here rely on safe and reliable roads every day, whether it is getting to work, accessing services or supporting local businesses.
“Caithness deserves its fair share of funding and a council that listens to local concerns.”
Councillor Jan McEwan, Liberal Democrat councillor for Wick and East Caithness, said:
“Wick and East Caithness needs a strong local voice that will stand up for our communities and fight for the services and investment we deserve.
“Julie understands the issues facing local families, from the loss of consultant-led maternity services to the state of our roads and the growing pressure on social care.
“She will be a tireless champion for this area and will make sure the concerns of local residents are heard at Highland Council.”
David Green MSP said:
“Julie Calder is exactly the kind of hardworking, community-focused candidate that Wick and East Caithness deserves.
“She is Caithness through and through, she gives her heart and soul to her community, and she has a record of helping people in need.
“I know she will work tirelessly for local people.
“From improving social care to fixing our roads, Julie has the right priorities and will fight to deliver real change for this community.”
The Wick and East Caithness by election takes place on Thursday 1 October.
