DOLLAR man Denis Coyne is to stand again for the Scottish Conservatives in the rescheduled Clackmannanshire East by-election.

As previously reported, the by-election was due to go ahead in March, but was postponed due to rising concerns over coronavirus at the time.

Mr Coyne is looking to retain the seat for his party, after Conservative Cllr Bill Mason stood down, when the ballot goes ahead on Thursday, November 19.

The candidate said: "The past few months have been a very unusual time for all of us.

"But people in Clackmannanshire East have really pulled together during this crisis and I want to thank the key workers and volunteers who have worked hard day in, day out to make people's lives that bit less difficult.

"Businesses have been particularly badly affected. In my current job, I have been helping local enterprises access the many support packages that have been funded by the UK Government, which have made a real difference.

"As a local councillor, I would make supporting our local businesses a top priority, to create jobs for local residents and young people in particular.

"Now, however, we face the after effects of the very rigorous attempts being made to contain Covid-19.

"People are going to lose their jobs, they may lose their houses, and they may lose hope and self-esteem.

"We need to ensure that we do everything we can to support people through this difficult time."

Mr Coyne moved to Dollar in 1985 with his wife Isobel to take up a position as commercial manager, and later director, at Maclay's Brewery in Alloa.

He has raised three children in the town since, chairing Strathdevon Primary School's parent council, lending a hand as treasurer of the badminton club as well as chairing Dollar Music Society.

Mr Coyne added: "Having lived here for the past 35 years, I know the issues that matter locally.

"For example, people want the roads fixed, better public transport, and enough school places and GP appointments to cope with an increasing local population.

"If people put their trust in me at this election, my focus will be on these important local issues and being a councillor who gets things done."