Tories choose investment manager as election candidate for Shetland

The Tories in Shetland have selected investment manager Sandy Cross as their candidate for the Holyrood election, it was announced today.

Father-of-two Mr Cross, 41, divides his time between Edinburgh and Shetland, where he is involved in starting a mussel growing business and farming at Vementry.

He said: “I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to stand for the Shetland as Conservative and Unionist candidate. I am committed to doing my best to represent the interests of the people of Shetland at all times.

“In particular, I would like to encourage financial responsibility and accountability at all levels of government and to work towards enabling a greater level of participation by citizens in the management of local affairs. I believe that the policies of the Conservative and Unionist Party offer by far the best way to undo the effects of previous irresponsible government policies.”

Chairman of Shetland Conservative Association Maurice Mullay said: “We are extremely fortunate to have a candidate of Sandy’s abilities, energy and background. His impressive financial experience and local understanding are tremendous assets and he is clearly the best representative for Shetland in the Scottish Parliament.”

The SNP announced yesterday that Highland councillor Jean Urquhart will be its Shetland candidate. The other candidates so far are Liberal Democrat leader Tavish Scott and Jamie Kerr for Labour.

Sustainable Shetland chairman Billy Fox is understood to be weighing up whether or not to stand as an independent.