SNP Select Housing Officer for Banff & District By-Election

The Scottish National Party has selected Dr Glen Reynolds as its candidate for the by-election on 3 November caused by the death of Cllr Ian Gray.

Dr Reynolds has worked throughout Banff and District for ten years as both a housing and community safety officer for Aberdeenshire Council, bringing a great deal of knowledge of the workings of the council, having seen it from the inside. Dr Reynolds has raised a family in the area along with his wife, who is a local primary school teacher.

Commenting on his selection, Glen Reynolds said:

“The circumstances of my selection are sad of course, as Ian Gray was such a devoted and hard-working councillor. My ambition is to follow in his footsteps and to speak out for this ward. 

“I have forged excellent working relationships with council officials and our local police which are essential as we continue to make the ward attractive to live and work in, especially to younger folk. After the recent divisions on the UK's membership of the EU, I shall be working with everyone to ensure we gain the best possible outcome after the vote. I know the weaknesses and strengths in how the council operates, and how it can work for the best interests of the area.”

Dr Reynolds is a Director of Grampian Housing, arguing for more affordable, decent homes, and is a shop steward for the health union UNISON. He continued:

“I aim to continue to work with the Royal College of Nursing and the Scottish Government to improve the situation regarding GP shortages in our communities. I am also keen to promote the use of community wardens throughout the ward, as in Peterhead and Fraserburgh. If wardens are good enough for them, they are good enough for this ward. With a background in housing and health, I aim to make the Council work for all of its residents, not least those who need the most help. We must bring people into the area for it to have a sustainable future and I am determined that this happens, as part of the regeneration we need.”

Dr Reynolds has a background with charities Victim Support and Age Concern and is Chair of his local church council, having taught Christian Studies at the University of Aberdeen. Glen says that on a personal note, he loves writing and walking the family dog, Dougal.