The candidates for an important Fife by-election have been announced.
Five candidates representing all the major political parties will contest the Glenrothes North, Leslie and Markinch ward next month in what is expected to be a close battle for control of the wider area.
The vote, taking place following the recent death of Labour councillor Bill Kay, could tip the balance of power in the Glenrothes area committee back to the SNP should they be victorious.
Doing so would give the SNP a major foothold from which to attack the Labour administration of Fife Council.
Keith Grieve, a former Fife Council team leader, will stand for the party.
He told The Courier: “I’m well aware of the responsibility and know that an awful lot is sitting on this.
“It was something I had to think about when I took this on but pressure is what life and politics is about. What I want to do now is knock on doors and find out what local people are saying.”
Meanwhile, Labour have selected John Wincott to defend the seat.
Mr Wincott, who is chairman of Leslie Community Council, is already known in the area for campaigning on issues such as the Lomond Quarry in Leslie and the fight to save the out-of-hours service at Glenrothes Hospital.
He said: “I would be a strong voice and I would make sure that the issues affecting local people will be heard in the council.
“I know that there are serious issues that need to be addressed like the A92 upgrade and the future of the town centre, but I also strongly believe that this part of Fife can be a big player in the Fife economy and so the Glenrothes area must be more prominent in driving the Fife agenda.”
Harry Wills has been chosen to represent the Liberal Democrats while Allan Smith will stand for the Conservatives.
Ukip will also contest the seat, represented by Peter Taggerty.The election will take place on Thursday June 20.