Candidates in an Aberdeenshire council byelection have issued a final rallying cry to voters, who will cast their ballots today.
Voters will go to the polls to elect a new councillor for Inverurie and District, prompted by the July resignation of sitting Conservative councillor Colin Clark.
Mr Clark unexpectedly unseated former first minister Alex Salmond in his Gordon seat in June, overturning his 8,687 strong majority.
Last night, he urged residents to back Tory Lesley Berry, saying the SNP had “learned nothing” from losing the seat, which was one of 21 they lost across the country.
He said: “People in the north-east are absolutely fed-up of hearing about independence, and sent a clear message to Nicola Sturgeon they don’t want another referendum.
“Yet four months on, it is clear from the SNP conference the party remains fixated on independence.”
However, SNP candidate Elaine Mitchell argued Westminster austerity was the biggest concern.
She said: “As a former nurse and midwife, I am passionate about healthcare and making sure we have the best services delivered in the north-east.”
Green candidate Craig Stewart said: “While Brexit threatens the rural economy and Theresa May’s government continues to stumble, we Greens will be investing time in people, in communities and in diversifying Aberdeenshire’s economy.”
Labour candidate Sarah Flavell and Liberal Democrat Scott Bremner did not respond to requests for comment.
