FOLLOWING the party's manifesto launch, Scottish Liberal Democrat candidate Dr Christopher McKinlay and party leader Willie Rennie visited Alloa.

The Clackmannanshire and Dunblane Constituency candidate spoke about the significance of the town in determining the outcome of the vote next Thursday.

He explained: “It is important after the manifesto launch on Friday we give voters an opportunity to engage with the ideas presented in the manifesto.

“We are engaging the electorate with a serious campaign. Some residents in Alloa and Tullibody mentioned they felt ‘neglected’ by the other campaigns and candidates.

“I assured voters that I would not be taking their support for granted. It is imperative that we present a challenge to the incumbent MSP.”

He spent the morning campaigning in Dunblane and Bridge of Allan, before spending the afternoon in the Wee County.

Dr McKinlay felt the visit allowed him and Mr Rennie an opportunity to “engage with the issues that matter to people in the local area”.

He observed that local residents had highlighted a number of issues, which resonate beyond the town.

Particular attention was drawn to the concern over Council Tax levels, especially when taken into account with high private rents. Dr McKinlay was concerned that despite the rhetoric from SNP and Labour on Council Tax targeting the wealthy, in reality retired persons, and those in rented property are particularly susceptible to the planned spiralling cost of Council Tax.

He said: “There are hidden casualties from the Council Tax. I have spoken to pensioners who spend half their income on Council Tax, it is no surprise then that we have the issue of fuel poverty in Scotland.”

The candidate also highlighted the experience and impact of unemployment on person's ability to pay the levy, even when it is a reduced sum and unemployment was still thought to be a significant issue in the area.

He felt it was important to try and encourage investment and job opportunities in the constituency and remove any barriers.

Dr McKinlay is determined to gove the people of the constituency a real and credible alternative to Labour and the SNP and feels “it is time for a fresh face and an individual who will seek to represent the interests and aspirations of all members of the community of Clackmannanshire”.