The Greens in Aberdeenshire have promised to focus on schools, transport and the environment if elected later this week.
While there is just one Scottish Green councillor at Aberdeenshire Council, the group is contesting five of the 19 council wards in the area on Thursday.
There are Greens standing in the Stonehaven and Lower Deeside, West Garioch, East Garioch, North Kincardine and Mearns wards.
The group has now launched its manifesto, which prioritises investment in education, improvements to public transport and protecting the region’s “special environment”.
East Garioch councillor and candidate Martin Ford has said the party will attempt to work with other parties to progress its key policies.
He said: “A significant number of proposals from the 2012 Aberdeenshire Green manifesto have been agreed by the council and have become council policy. Greens elected to Aberdeenshire Council this May will similarly seek cross-party support to
get Green proposals adopted.”
Rachel Shanks, candidate for Stonehaven and Lower Deeside, said: “Inevitably, Aberdeenshire Council is going to face some tough challenges in the years ahead. Green voices need to be heard in the council chamber when the council decides how to respond.
“The last five years have shown a Green presence has made for a better council. We want to build on that.”
Meanwhile, their candidate in West Garioch has said the party will focus on local, not national, issues.
Richard Openshaw said: “We’re proud of the Green successes on Aberdeenshire Council since 2012, like funding for youth work, traffic calming, cycling and walking. Our manifesto for the next five years sets out what we will prioritise going forward.
“The forecast rise in pupil numbers in Aberdeenshire schools means additional resources for education are essential.
“I was appalled at the education cuts advocated by the Lib Dems and Conservatives in their proposed 2017/18 council budget. Green councillors will give priority to spending on schools and resist education cuts.”
Mearns candidate Karen Allan added: “I particularly welcome the manifesto commitments on road safety and tackling climate change.”
