Former housing professional Evelyn Tweed launches bid to become MSP

Currently, SNP councillor for Trossachs and Teith at Stirling Council since 2017, Ms Tweed worked for 25 years as a senior housing professional working within Housing Associations to construct thousands of homes across Scotland and regenerate poor communities.

Counting her time at housing associations Cube and Loreburn, she worked in areas as diverse as the deprived urban areas of Easterhouse and Drumchapel in Glasgow, Paisley, Leith and Irvine, to the rural areas of Dumfries & Galloway and Stirling.

As an MSP, the candidate said she would campaign for the regeneration of the local economy, investment into infrastructure and tourism, and support the Scottish Government’s climate change agenda.

Ms Tweed told the Brig Newspaper: “My work career has taught me the practical skills to get things done, through developing relationships with people; colleagues, residents, professionals, politicians and civil servants. Therefore, as an MSP I know I can foster the relationships necessary to benefit Stirling, and Scotland.”

“I’m not a career politician. The 2014 independence referendum convinced me I needed to get involved.  I’ve campaigned at every election since, knocking on thousands of doors.  I know how to speak to people and run a successful campaign. Being elected an SNP Councillor was an honour that could only be surpassed by being elected an MSP.”

As housing portfolio holder, Councillor Tweed continued Stirling’s ongoing commitment towards investing in renewable energy for the installation onto local social housing stock. The commitment has seen over 50% of social housing in Stirling installed with solar PV.

She added: “As a councillor, I took on the challenging housing portfolio and created a strong relationship with the Stirling Tenants’ Assembly. We put in the infrastructure to deliver new homes, and support regeneration and the green agenda. As MSP I will work hard to get results for Stirling, rebuilding the economy and jobs, by supporting delivery of the City Deal, and investment in housing, supporting the climate change agenda, infrastructure and tourism.

“I am looking forward to continuing my campaign to win the hearts and minds of local SNP members. I believe I have the necessary qualities and work life experience to be an effective MSP and look forward to engaging with members further as the contest continues. Whoever the SNP candidate is for the Holyrood Election in 2021, the SNP will take nothing for granted and will be working hard to retain this seat.”

The successful candidate will be announced on November 6.