With a handwritten manifesto tucked in her handbag and no party affiliation, Anne Glen may seem an unlikely candidate to represent Moray at Westminster.
But, armed with an unwavering self-belief, the granny has thrown her hat into the race and will seek election next month.
The 67-year-old retiree has helped run hotels across the north, and describes herself as a “friendly face”.
She intends to summon all of her charm over the coming weeks in an effort to persuade voters she is worth backing.
The SNP’s Angus Robertson has held the Westminster seat since 2001, but the Conservatives have tipped Tory hopeful Douglas Ross to oust him.
The Labour party has put forward Jo Kirby and Alex Linklater is representing the Liberal Democrats.
Mrs Glen admits that she is an underdog, but says she is already in the midst of starting her own political party.
She said: “There needs to be more scrutiny into every aspect of government, and that will be the main thrust of my party once I get it off the ground.
“I’m a one man band, I know I’m the underdog in this election.
“But I want to be a voice at Westminster for the members of the public who cannot speak for themselves.
“From that point of view, I feel very well-equipped for the job and I think I can go all the way.
“I think my destiny is here in Moray, representing disabled or vulnerable people.”
Mrs Glen was born in Lincolnshire, and has also worked as a secretary and teacher.
She has spent her recent years looking after her husband, who suffers from brain injuries, at the couple’s home in Nethy Bridge.
She also has a property in Aberlour, which she is using as a base of operations.
The grandmother-of-four added: “Because of my husband’s condition, I have done a lot of fighting and campaigning on healthcare.
“I remain a friendly face though, I’m more than happy to help anyone with any problems and have been doing that for years.
“So many people don’t know what their rights are or what the laws are.
“I’ve had my head chopped off many, many times for standing up and speaking out, but that’s because I care.”
