A former Perth councillor — whose defeat was one of the biggest shocks at the last local election — is planning a political comeback.
There was a collective intake of breath when SNP veteran John Kellas failed to secure his seat by a narrow margin at the election count in May.
Now Mr Kellas is making a bid to return to Perth and Kinross Council, as the party’s candidate for the Highland ward by-election.
The vote was called following the sudden death of council leader Ian Campbell.
Mr Kellas will be up against the Tory’s contender, former Strathclyde Police superintendent John Duff.
Mr Kellas said he was pleased to get unanimous backing from the party’s Breadalbane and Atholl branches.
“My positive campaign message will focus on the key issues which affect residents, businesses and communities here in Highland Perthshire, issues of real concern such as the deteriorating condition of our roads and the closure threats faced by our schools under this Tory administration,” he said.
“I attended the recent council budget meeting in Perth and I witnessed first-hand the Tories, and their colleagues, voting to close school breakfast clubs, cutting over £500,000 from the budget for secondary teachers and axing the late night bus service to Pitlochry.
“None of these cuts in the Tory budget were any part of the SNP’s budget proposal and therefore I will be setting out the clear choice for voters in this by-election — choose between Tory cuts or SNP investment.”
Mr Duff, from Aberfeldy, was a police officer in Glasgow and served in several senior posts including superintendent. He moved back to Highland Perthshire after his retirement.
The former Breadalbane Academy pupil was an active member of the Highland Perthshire Better Together team during the independence referendum and worked alongside Mr Campbell.
“Ian was a fantastic councillor for the Highland ward, hard working and highly respected,” he said.
“His sudden death was a huge shock to us all.
“I want to continue Ian’s legacy in this area and, if elected, will work hard to make Highland Perthshire a safer, stronger and better place to live, work and visit.”
Other contenders for the by-election are likely to be announced in the coming days.
Voters will go to the polls on Thursday, April 19.