Scottish Government campaign really begins as nominations close

Nominations closed last week, and Scotland’s four leading political parties are fielding candidates in the Glenrothes area.

Across the region campaigners can be seen on the streets, knocking on doors, in the press and on television and heard on the radio, all fighting for your vote.

Voters have two chances to vote – for their directly elected constituency MSP and for an individual or political party for the region, known as list MSPs.

And for he first time in a parliamentary election, the franchise has been extended to allow everyone over the age of 16 to vote. 16-year-olds were allowed to vote for the first time in the Scottish referendum two years ago.

In the Mid Fife and Glenrothes constituency, the SNP will be hoping that teacher Jenny Gilruth will be chosen to step into the shoes of Tricia Marwick.

Ms Marwick is standing down after 17 years as an MSP, serving her final term as the Parliament’s Presiding Officer.

Joining Ms Gilruth in the race are the Liberal Democrat’s Jane Ann Liston, a former Fife councillor, from St Andrews, and serving Fife councillor Kay Morrison representing the Labour party.

Finally, Alex Stewart-Clark will stand for the Conservatives in his first Scottish Parliamentary election. He contested the seat in last year’s Westminster elections.

Poll cards for the election have already been issued, and you can cast your vote on 
May 5.