Meet the candidates in the West Fife and Coastal villages by-election

A total of seven candidates have been selected for the by-election which is taking place on Thursday, November 28, after former ward one councillor, Graeme Downie (Scottish Labour) resigned from the role when he was elected as MP for Dollar and Dunfermline in the July general election. 

The count for the election will be held on Friday morning.

Here are the candidates standing:

Scottish Labour Party - Karen Elizabeth Beaton

Karen said: "My working life has been largely spent as a community Police Officer supporting and protecting local people and as a Child Protection Officer, helping some of our most vulnerable people in our society.

"I have worked in banking and finance both within large institutions and running my own business, so I also know the struggles faced by small businesses and sole traders.

"If elected, I will continue the great work happening within the ward and ensure that every voice is heard. I will represent the vulnerable, and every individual that requires my help.

Karen Beaton (Image: Contributed) "I will continue fighting for better local bus services, make sure roads in West Fife are repaired and upgraded, tackle the increase in littering, fly tipping, and antisocial behaviour.

"I will always be accessible and open to local people, attending meetings and events to make sure I can focus on the priorities of the communities in the West Fife Villages."

Scottish Liberal Democrats - Paul Antony Buchanan Quigley

Paul said: "As someone who lives in Fife and cares about our area, I want to see a change for the better locally. To fight for the issues that affects residents most, such as difficulties getting GP appointments or the lack of local hospital services.

"People deserve to be able to access local health services when they need them most. This is made even harder by the poor public transport connections available to many in the area, with a lack of busses imposing an even greater barrier on those in need.

Paul Quigley (Image: Contributed) "I will also push to fix local roads and pavements, where many potholes and uneven roads blight the area, highlighting the neglect that has faced from both the SNP Scottish Government and the Labour-led Council.

"I believe that residents need a councillor who is on their side and listens to their concerns. Already local Liberal Democrat Councillors are delivering for their constituents.

"With councillors having recently been given £500,000 at the recent Council budget for additional Educational Psychologists. I aim to be a local champion who will carry on the important work that my colleagues have already achieved in Fife Council."

Scottish Greens - Fiona Margaret McOwan

A West Fife resident and long time advocate for Fife's rural and coastal communities, Fiona is retired chemistry teacher.

She has organised and taught evening classes including in Cairneyhill for over 25 years.

A passionate environmentalist, Fiona has walked the length and breadth of the ward and leads weekly nature walks promoting good mental and physical health.

Fiona McOwan (Image: Contributed) If elected Fiona says she will focus on local service provision, and adds that she knows first hand the grip private bus companies have on keeping our rural communities connected.

Access to schools and education facilities are also top of her agenda. She says the uncertainty over the future of the Post Office in Cairneyhill should be a concern for all villages in the area and Fiona will work to support existing businesses and protect similar vital services.

Independent - George Charles Morton

George says: "The Fife Independence Movement is not yet a party, so I'm standing as an independent."

He adds: "With a population of ca. 370,000, we are as economically viable as other small, new European states and UN members (e.g. Latvia 1.9m; Montenegro 640,000; Slovenia and North Macedonia both 2m).

George Morton (Image: Contributed) "So what kind of Fife do we favour ? For fuller details 'google' Fife Independence Movement, but here are a few key points: IMMIGRATION: from outside Scotland should be very selective; we want quality rather than quantity. Furthermore, to uphold (a) the Enlightenment ideal of secularism, and (b) women's rights, religious dogmatists need not apply."

George also believes that on the economy revenue should be raised not through taxation but from user-fees for Fife’s land and other natural resources.

He also advocates "the Fife pound" as currency, which he says should unconditionally track the UK pound for 4-5 years.

He is Rosyth born-and-bred; a graduate of Aberdeen Uni; has taught English language in Stuttgart for 35 years, mainly at college level. 

Scottish Conservative and Unionist - David James Ross

David has experience of working in the retail and charity sectors and has been working for a major pensions provider for the last two years.

“The West Fife Villages is one of the biggest and most diverse wards in Fife and the needs of the residents are varied and wide ranging," he said.

David, who was a Councillor between 2017 and 2022, added: “If elected, I will be a strong voice for the communities across the West Fife Villages.

David Ross (Image: Contributed) “I will also call out and stand up to the anti-growth and anti-business policies of both the Westminster and Holyrood Governments, which all seem to have the aim of hurting hard-working families and business owners.

“As someone who has lived in Fife almost all my life and as a former councillor, I know what’s needed to be a strong voice for local residents and I know how the system works. I can hit the ground running.”

Scottish Family Party - Daniel Gerard Smith

Daniel says: "I have been living in this Ward for 40 Years. I'm 67, have two grown up children and 4 grandchildren. Although now retired, my working background has been in Communications, 29 years with BT and 11.5 years in Telecommunications consultancy.

"I am standing for the Scottish Family Party because I sincerely believe that’s its values and policies are what Scotland needs for stability, prosperity and true equality.

Danny Smith (Image: Contributed) "We need to stop the pendulum swinging between the major parties, breaking away from what is essentially more of the same.

"If you really want a fundamental change in Scottish politics, vote for the Scottish Family Party on the November 28.

"I presently serve on my Local Community Council as Vice Chair and would be delighted to serve alongside our present regional councillors in supporting all the communities across Ward 1."

Scottish National Party - Paul Edward Steele

Paul said: "I have lived in the ward for many years and I believe it is important to be immersed in your local community and village life, including volunteering at our summer gala and seasonal events.

"I work locally in Dunfermline and I'm from a coal mining family.

Paul Steele (Image: Contributed) "I've attended many of the community council meetings throughout ward 1 over the last two years, and I'm well aware of the diversity of all the villages and the current issues experienced by residents, including housing, antisocial behaviour, flooding and road conditions.

"If elected, I would strive to protect and support local services, and I would be a strong advocate for all residents, ensuring their voices were heard and concerns addressed."