THE Liberal Democrats have outlined a range of policies which they feel will "move the country beyond division".

Candidate Christopher McKinlay has urged voters to make their voices heard and not become the "forgotten county".

He said: "The Liberal Democrats offer a dynamic and progressive approach to the issues and policies that matter to the people of Scotland.

"The policies offered by the Liberal Democrats have already struck a chord with many local residents.

"The people of Clackmannanshire do not want to be regarded as the 'forgotten county' by their political representatives.

"Concerns over job opportunities and access to educational opportunities need to be tackled. The reality of austerity and its impact on the lives of many people needs to be addressed through a clear social and economic strategy.
"The continuing presence of foodbanks throughout Scotland is an indication of the clear failure of the Scottish Government to tackle the issues of poverty in our communities.

"Through a range of key policies the Liberal Democrats will strive to move beyond division and towards a Scotland that espouses the values of fairness for people."

Speaking about his party's approach to health and mental health, Dr McKinlay said "The Liberal Democrats have been clear that we need a step change in the way that we treat mental ill health in Scotland.

"That is why we will double funding for Child and Adolescent Health Services (CAMHS), embed 960 new mental health professionals with GPS and put new mental health support in A&E departments.

"The Liberal Democrats will also seek to ensure that the current GP crisis in Scotland and the prospect of a further shortfall of 700 family doctors forecast by 2020 is tackled through our health plan to train, recruit and retain more GPS.

"We will also commit to funding the Scottish NHS so that it stays ahead of inflation and keeps pace with funding in the rest of the UK. Liberal Democrats will also maintain free prescriptions, and free eye and dental checks.

"We will also ensure the extension of free personal care for the elderly to make sure care services are available free of charge for people with dementia at all ages."

The Lib Dem's education plans, according to Dr McKinlay, will see £500million raised and put back into schools, nurseries and further education.

He said: "The importance of education and the need for adequate funding to drive Scotland back up the international rankings of education is essential after the cuts to the education budget under the SNP government.

"Only the Liberal Democrats offer a clear, costed plan through 'a penny for education' that will generate half a billion pounds extra each year to ensure that nurseries, schools and colleges have the support they deserve.

"We also need to ensure life-long educational opportunities for everyone and continue to break down the barriers that discourage the entry of young people to college or university."

Dr McKinlay added: "I believe that only the Liberal Democrats can offer a voice that reflects the range of communities of Clackmannanshire.

"The policies offered by the Liberal Democrats will recognise the impact that austerity has had on our communities and offer a real alternative to another five years of funding cuts and increased centralisation of policing and encroachment on the civil liberties that we all value.