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The Social Economy Pledge #SocialEconomyPledge

Posted: 02 May 2022

Scottish local elections

Thursday 5 May 2022

Social Enterprise Scotland is inviting all candidates in the Scottish local elections to sign up and support the #SocialEconomyPledge.

Please sign the pledge today!

If you’re a candidate for the 2022 Scottish local elections, please email duncan.thorp@socialenterprise.scot from your party/campaign email address with the name of your ward/local authority and we’ll add your name to our public list of supporters – thank you for your support! 

What’s the Pledge all about?

Scotland’s social economy is made up of a diverse mix of innovative community organisations. They form part of the movement for an inclusive, wellbeing economy.

From charities to social enterprises, co-operatives, CICs, development trusts, social housing providers, voluntary groups and more, they empower excluded people, regenerate communities and drive our economy.

During the pandemic lockdown these people and organisations demonstrated huge creativity and flexibility – stepping up and leading the way in local communities in every part of Scotland.

Going forward their role in economic transformation is vital to Scotland’s success. A genuine wellbeing economy can only be achieved where these organisations are at the heart of social renewal and recovery!

We passionately believe in the power of these organisations to drive change. We’re urging every political party and election candidate to pledge to champion this innovative community and its role in Scotland’s future:

  • People – To recognise the vital role of charities, social enterprises and community groups in supporting and empowering the most excluded and at-risk in society.
  • Economy – To appreciate the importance of these community groups in building local economies, providing jobs, trading goods and services and regenerating neighbourhoods.
  • Place – To recognise that the best solutions to society’s challenges are often found at a local level and decisions are best made at a local level whenever possible.
  • Big picture – To understand that a wellbeing economy, community wealth building and a green recovery can only be achieved with these organisations leading the way.
  • Policy – To support policies that lead to the growth, success and sustainability of charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups.
  • Collaboration – To support a continued partnership approach between government, charities, social enterprises and other sectors.

You can sign up for free social enterprise news updates here.


Take a look at the list of local election candidates below who have already signed the Social Economy Pledge! 

Have your local candidates signed yet?

The list is ordered alphabetically by party and then by local authority name.


Scorecard for Social Economy Pledge    #SocialEconomyPledge

Independent candidates 9
Alba Party 21
Independence for Scotland Party (ISP) 5
Scottish Conservative & Unionist Party 7
Scottish Green Party 92
Scottish Labour 46
Scottish Liberal Democrats 26
Scottish National Party (SNP) 97
SDP (Social Democratic Party) 1
Sovereignty 5
Volt Europa 1


Independent candidates

Mark Irvine, Lomond North, Argyll and Bute Council

Paul Steele, South Uist, Eriskay and Benbecula, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar

William Mclachlan, East Centre Ward, Glasgow City Council

Benn Rapson, Anderston / City / Yorkhill Ward, Glasgow City Council

Sarah Atkin, Black Isle Ward, Highland Council

John McIntyre, Paisley Northwest, Renfrewshire Council

Linda Lunan, Troon Ward, South Ayrshire Council

Hugh Hunter, Prestwick Ward, South Ayrshire Council

Frank Anderson, East Livingston & East Calder Ward, West Lothian Council


Alba Party

Charlie Abel, Kincorth, Nigg and Cove Ward, Aberdeen City Council

Iain Cameron, Banff & District, Aberdeenshire Council

Charlotte Cross, Central Buchan, Aberdeenshire Council

Lisa Keogh, Arbroath West, Letham and Friockheim, Angus Council

Sundas Kamran, Maryfield, Dundee City Council

Allan Petrie, East End Ward, Dundee City Council

Heather McLean, Dundee North East, Dundee City Council

Alan Ross, Lochee Ward, Dundee City Council

Michelle Graham, Musselburgh, East Lothian Council

Paul Brown, Preston, Seton & Gosford, East Lothian Council

Hazel Hamilton, Tranent, Wallyford and Macmerry, East Lothian Council

Morgwn Davies, Haddington & Lammermuir, East Lothian Council

Kevan Shaw, Edinburgh Central Ward, City of Edinburgh Council

Stephen Lynas, Rosyth Ward, Fife Council

Leanne Tervit, Dunfermline Central, Fife Council

Craig Dempsey, Kirkcaldy North, Fife Council

Catherine McKernan, Calton, Glasgow City Council

Angela Jones, Linn Ward, Glasgow City Council

Farah Hamid, Springburn/Robroyston, Glasgow City Council

Mahmood Ullah, Victoria Park, Glasgow City Council

Jane Fraser, Garnock Valley, North Ayrshire


Independence for Scotland Party (ISP)

Brooke Labagh, West End Ward, Dundee City Council

Colette Walker, Clarkston, Netherlee and Williamwood Ward, East Renfrewshire Council

Andrew Ewan Bentley-Steed, Burntisland, Kinghorn & Western Kirkcaldy Ward, Fife Council

Nick Hobson, North Coast Ward, North Ayrshire Council 

John Hannah, Armadale and Blackridge, West Lothian Council


Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party

John Denerley, Dee and Glenkens Ward, Dumfries and Galloway Council

John White, North East Ward, Glasgow City Council 

Matt Ventisei, Greater Pollok Ward, Glasgow City Council

Robert Connelly, Calton Ward, Glasgow City Council

Ade Aibinu, Victoria Park, Glasgow City Council

Caroline Shiers, Blairgowrie and the Glens, Perth and Kinross Council

John Smith, Tweeddale West, Scottish Borders Council


Scottish Green Party

Daniel Verhamme, Lower Deeside Ward, Aberdeen City Council

Heather Herbert, Kincorth/Nigg/Coveward Ward, Aberdeen City Council

Guy Ingerson, George Street/Harbour Ward, Aberdeen City Council

Louise McCafferty, Mastrick / North Northfield Ward, Aberdeen City Council

Peter Kennedy, Hilton, Woodside and Stockethill, Aberdeen City Council

Anne Mansfield, West Garioch Ward, Aberdeenshire Council

Rachel Shanks, Stonehaven and Lower Deeside, Aberdeenshire Council

Phyl Meyer, Oban South & the Islands, Argyll & Bute Council

Laura Moodie, Dee & Glenkens Ward, Dumfries and Galloway Council

Tanya Jones, Coldside Ward, Dundee City Council

Kate Treharne, Lochee, Dundee City Council

Mark James, Dunbar and East Linton Ward, East Lothian Council

Shona McIntosh, Musselburgh, East Lothian Council

Tim Porteus, Preston, Seton & Gosford, East Lothian Council

Marnie Stirling, Tranent, Wallyford and Macmerry, East Lothian Council

Jacq Cottrell, North Berwick Coastal, East Lothian Council

Jackie Swailes, Haddington & Lammermuir, East Lothian Council

Claire Miller, City Centre, City of Edinburgh Council

Andrew Brough, Almond Ward, City of Edinburgh Council

Chas Booth, Leith Ward, City of Edinburgh Council

Susan Rae, Leith Walk, City of Edinburgh Council

Alex Staniforth, Craigentinny and Duddingston, City of Edinburgh Council

Rachel Hart, Denny & Banknock, Falkirk Council

David Stutchfield, East Neuk and Landward Ward, Fife Council

Lewis Campbell, Dunfermline Central, Fife Council

Michael Collie, Kirkcaldy North, Fife Council

Fiona McOwan, Rosyth Ward, Fife Council

Ryan Blackadder, Inverkeithing & Dalgety Bay, Fife Council

Jerome van Leeuwen, Buckhaven, Methil, and Wemyss Villages, Fife Council

Keith Warwick, Linn, Glasgow City Council

Leòdhas Massie, Newlands / Auldburn, Glasgow City Council

Chris McFadyen, Greater Pollok, Glasgow City Council

Ellie Gomersall, Cardonald, Glasgow City Council

Dan Hutchison, Govan, Glasgow City Council

Jon Molyneux, Pollokshields, Glasgow City Council

Holly Bruce, Langside, Glasgow City Council

Elaine Gallagher, Southside Central, Glasgow City Council

Kate Samuels, Calton, Glasgow City Council

Christy Mearns, Anderson / City / Yorkhill, Glasgow City Council

Martha Wardrop, Hillhead, Glasgow City Council

Lana Reid-McConnell, Victoria Park, Glasgow City Council

John Hamelink, Garscadden / Scotstounhill, Glasgow City Council

Duncan Webford, Drumchapel / Anniesland, Glasgow City Council

Amy Irene Marquez, Maryhill, Glasgow City Council

Madeleine Guthrie, Springburn / Robroyston, Glasgow City Council

Seonad Hoy, Canal, Glasgow City Council

Hannah Smith, East Centre, Glasgow City Council

Julie Christie, Shettleston, Glasgow City Council

Ryan Kelly, Baillieston, Glasgow City Council

Iain McLarty, North East, Glasgow City Council

Anthony Carroll, Dennistoun, Glasgow City Council

Blair Anderson, Partick East / Kelvindale, Glasgow City Council

Pippa Hadley, Badenoch and Strathspey Ward, Highland Council

Chris Ballance, Aird and loch Ness Ward, Highland Council

Ryan MacKintosh, Inverness West Ward, Highland Council

Thomas Widrow, Dingwall and Seathforth, Highland Council

Kate Willis, Fort William and Ardnamurchan, Highland Council

Dræyk van der Hørn, Forres Ward, Moray Council

Elidh Myrvang Brown, Speyside Glenlivet Ward, Moray Council

Ross Collins, Irvine East, North Ayrshire Council

Claire Williams, Stepps, Muirhead and Chryston, North Lanarkshire Council 

Patrick McAleer, Gartcosh, Glenboig and Moodiesburn, North Lanarkshire Council 

Kyle Davidson, Cumbernauld East, North Lanarkshire Council  

Anne McCrossan, Cumbernauld North, North Lanarkshire Council 

Derek Watson, Motherwell South and Ravenscraig, North Lanarkshire Council 

Gordon McKinnon Miller, Motherwell West, North Lanarkshire Council  

Emma Cuthbertson, Fortissat, North Lanarkshire Council 

Graham Kerr, Coatbridge South, North Lanarkshire Council 

Helen Woodsford-Dean, West Mainland, Orkney Council

Eric Page, East Mainland, South Ronaldsay and Burray, Orkney Council

John Ross Scott, Kirkwall East, Orkney Council

Maia Brodie, Stromness and South Isles, Orkney Council

Kristopher Leask, Kirkwall West and Orphir, Orkney Council

Roger Humphry, Carse of Gowrie Ward, Perth & Kinross Council

Paul Vallot, Perthshire Almond and Earn Ward, Perth & Kinross Council

Jill Belch, Strathmore Ward, Perth and Kinross Council

Athol Bond, Paisley East and Central, Renfrewshire Council

Kirsten Robb, East Kilbride Ward, South Lanarkshire Council

Ann McGuinness, Clydesdale South, South Lanarkshire Council

Roddy MacKay, Uibhist a Deas, Èirisgeidh agus Beinn Nam Faoghla Ward, Western Isles Council / Comhairle nan Eilean Siar

Cameron Glasgow, Livingston South Ward, West Lothian Council

Pamela Barnes, Linlithgow, West Lothian Council

Cam Wright, Broxburn, Uphall & Winchburgh, West Lothian Council

Mark Wilkinson, Livingston North, West Lothian Council

Neal Drummond, East Livingston & East Calder, West Lothian Council

Neil Barnes, Fauldhouse & the Breich Valley, West Lothian Council

Carole Racionzer, Whitburn & Blackburn, West Lothian Council

Siobhan Flannigan, Bathgate, West Lothian Council

Sophie Brodie, Armadale & Blackridge, West Lothian Council


Scottish Labour

Lynn Thomson, Kincorth, Nigg and Cove Ward, Aberdeen City Council

Jennifer Bonsell, Midstocket and Rosemount Ward, Aberdeen City Council

John Ruddy (Labour and Co-operative Party), Montrose and District Ward, Angus Council

Richard McCready (Labour and Co-operative Party), West End, Dundee City Council

Colette McDiarmid (Labour and Co-operative Party), Bishopbriggs North and Campsie, East Dunbartonshire Council

Ruaridh Bennett, Musselburgh Ward, East Lothian Council

Andy Forrest, Musselburgh Ward, East Lothian Council

Brooke Ritchie, Preston/Seton/Gosford Ward, East Lothian Council

Colin Yorkston, Preston/Seton/Gosford Ward, East Lothian Council

Fiona Dugdale, Tranent/Wallyford/Macmerry Ward, East Lothian Council

Colin McGinn, Tranent/Wallyford/Macmerry Ward, East Lothian Council

Carol McFarlane, North Berwick Coastal Ward, East Lothian Council

Shamin Akhtar, Haddington & Lammermuir Ward, East Lothian Council

John McMillan, Haddington & Lammermuir Ward, East Lothian Council

Norman Hampshire, Dunbar & East Linton Ward, East Lothian Council

Mhairi Munro-Brian (Labour and Co-operative Party), Inverleith, City of Edinburgh Council

Stephen Jenkinson, Edinburgh Pentland Hills, City of Edinburgh Council

Nkechi Okoro (Scottish Labour and Cooperative), Drumbrae/Gyle, City of Edinburgh Council

Tim Pogson (Scottish Labour and Cooperative), Southside Newington, City of Edinburgh Council

Cara Hilton, Dunfermline South, Fife Council

Julie MacDougall (Labour and Co-operative Party), Burntisland, Kinghorn & Western Kirkcaldy, Fife Council

Gary Guichan, Cowdenbeath ward, Fife Council

Patricia Ferguson, Drumchapel/Anniesland Ward, Glasgow City Council

Catherine Vallis, Linn Ward, Glasgow City Council

Eunis Jassemi, Victoria Park Ward, Glasgow City Council

Matt Kerr, Cardonald Ward, Glasgow City Council

Malcolm Cunning, Linn Ward, Glasgow City Council

Saqib Ahmed, Greater Pollok, Glasgow City Council

Stephen Curran (Scottish Labour and Co-operative), Newlands/Auldburn, Glasgow City Council

Lewis Whyte, Inverness Millburn Ward, Highland Council

Margaret Bryant, Black Isle Ward, Highland Council

Peter Ó Donnghaile, Eilean a’ Cheò Ward, Highland Council / Comhairle na Gaidhealtachd

Heather Brannan-McVey, Kilsyth & Villages, North Lanarkshire Council

Andrew Duffy-Lawson (Labour & Co-operative Party), Motherwell North, North Lanarkshire Council

Angela Campbell, Bellshill Ward, North Lanarkshire Council

Peter McDade, Cumbernauld South, North Lanarkshire Council

James McPhilemy, Cumbernauld South, North Lanarkshire Council

Martine Nolan, Wishaw, North Lanarkshire Council

Kirsteen Sullivan (Labour & Co-operative Party), Whitburn & Blackburn Ward, West Lothian Council

Craig Smith, Livingston South, West Lothian Council

Ann Davidson, Broxburn, Uphall and Winchburgh, West Lothian Council

Lawrence Fitzpatrick, Livingston South, West Lothian Council

Tony Pearson, Bathgate, West Lothian Council

Andrew McGuire, Armadale and Blackridge ward, West Lothian Council

Harry Cartmill, Bathgate, West Lothian Council

Craig Meek, Fauldhouse and the Breich Valley, West Lothian Council


Scottish Liberal Democrats

Martin Greig, Hazlehead, Queens Cross, Countesswells, Aberdeen City Council

Steve Delaney, Kinswells, Sheddocksley & Summerhill Ward, Aberdeen City Council

Ian Yuill, Airyhall/Broomhill/Garthdee, Aberdeen City Council

Sue Mulkerrin, Lower Deeside, Aberdeen City Council

Gregor McAbery, Torry / Ferryhill, Aberdeen City Council

Andrew Hassan, Mid Formartine Ward, Aberdeenshire Council

Fraser Macpherson, West End Ward, Dundee City Council

Michael Crichton, West End Ward, Dundee City Council

Craig Duncan, The Ferry Ward, Dundee City Council

Daniel Coleman, Strathmartine Ward, Dundee City Council

Susan Murray, Kirkintilloch North & East and Twechar Ward, East Dunbartonshire Council

Jack Caldwell, Leith Walk, City of Edinburgh Council

Elaine Ford, Craigentinny/Duddingston, City of Edinburgh Council

Karen Utting, Kirkcaldy Central Ward, Fife Council 

Margaret Kennedy, Cupar and District, Fife Council

Jane Ann Liston, St Andrews, Fife Council

Hugh Southall, Newlands and Auldburn, Glasgow City Council

Joe McCauley, Linn, Glasgow City Council

Trish Robertson, Culloden & Ardersier, Highland Council

Molly Nolan, Cromarty Firth, Highland Council

Angela MacLean, Dingwall & Seaforth, Highland Council

Jack Clark, Eilean A’ Cheò ward, Highland Council

Alasdair Christie, Inverness Ness-side Ward, Highland Council

Kevin Reid, Nairn and Cawdor, Highland Council

Jacci Stoyle, Inverclyde North, Inverclyde Council

Jamie Ross, Ayr West ward, South Ayrshire Council


Scottish National Party (SNP)

Dawn Black, Stonehaven & Lower Deeside, Aberdeenshire Council

Ross Cassie, Troup, Aberdeenshire Council

Anouk Kloppert SNP, Aboyne, Upper Deeside and Donside, Aberdeenshire Council

Chris Beattie, Brechin and Edzell Ward, Angus Council

Julie Bell, Kirriemuir and Dean Ward, Angus Council

George Meechan, Kirriemuir and Dean, Angus Council

Lynda Clark, Forfar and District, Angus Council

Lynne Devine, Forfar and District, Angus Council

Lloyd Melville, Monifieth and Sidlaw, Angus Council

Beth Whiteside, Monifieth and Sidlaw, Angus Council

Mark James McDonald, Carnoustie and District, Angus Council

Serena Mary Cowdy, Arbroath West, Letham and Friockheim, Angus Council

Martin Shepherd, Arbroath West, Letham and Friockheim, Angus Council

Brenda Durno, Arbroath East and Lunan, Angus Council

Graham Smith, Arbroath East and Lunan, Angus Council

Kenny Braes, Montrose and District, Angus Council

Bill Duff, Montrose and District, Angus Council

Math Campbell-Sturgess, Helensburgh and Lomond South, Argyll and Bute Council

Julie McKenzie, Oban North and Lorn, Argyll and Bute Council

John Alexander & Stewart Hunter – Strathmartine Ward, Dundee City Council

Steven Rome & Willie Sawers – North East Ward, Dundee City Council

Lynne Short & Ken Lynn – Maryfield Ward, Dundee City Council

Kevin Cordell & Qaiser Habib, Ferry Ward, Dundee City Council

Mark Flynn & Heather Anderson, Coldside Ward, Dundee City Council

Bill Campbell & Nadia El-Nakla, West End Ward, Dundee City Council

Will Dawson & Christina Roberts, East End Ward, Dundee City Council

Roisin Smith & Siobhan Tollan, Lochee Ward, Dundee City Council

Gordan Low, Bishopbriggs South, East Dunbartonshire Council

Calum Smith, Bearsden North, East Dunbartonshire Council

Pamela Marshall, Kirkintilloch East North & Twechar, East Dunbartonshire Council

Gillian Renwick, Lenzie and Kirkintilloch South, East Dunbartonshire Council 

Jim Gibbons, Milngavie, East Dunbartonshire Council

Lyn Jardine, Dunbar & East Linton Ward, East Lothian Council

Liz Allan, North Berwick Coastal, East Lothian Council

Lee-Anne Menzies, Tranent, Wallyford and Macmerry, East Lothian Council

Cher Cassini, Musselburgh, East Lothian Council

Iain Whyte, Musselburgh, East Lothian Council

Neil Gilbert, Preston, Seton & Gosford, East Lothian Council

Janis Wilson, Preston, Seton & Gosford, East Lothian Council

Kenny McLeod, Tranent, Wallyford & Macmerry, East Lothian Council

Graeme MacGregor, Haddington & Lammermuir, East Lothian Council

Tom Trotter, Haddington & Lammermuir, East Lothian Council

Euan Hyslop, Drum Brae/Gyle Ward, City of Edinburgh Council

Frank Ross, Corstorphine Murrayfield, City of Edinburgh Council

Amy McNeese-Mechan, Leith Walk Ward, City of Edinburgh Council

Paul Garner, Denny & Banknock, Falkirk Council

Bryan Deakin, Bonnybridge and Larbert, Falkirk Council

Gary Bouse, Carse Kinnaird & Tryst Ward, Falkirk Council

Laura Murtagh, Carse Kinnaird & Tryst, Falkirk Council

Derek Glen, Dunfermline Central, Fife Council

Jean Hall Muir, Dunfermline Central, Fife Council

Brian Goodall, Rosyth Ward, Fife Council

Eva Bolander, Anderston, City & Yorkhill, Glasgow City Council 

Derek Louden, Tain and Easter Ross, Highland Council

Karen Green, Dalkeith, Midlothian Council

Sonya Warren, Buckie Ward, Moray Council

Graham Leadbitter, Elgin City South, Moray Council

Scott Lawrence, Forres Ward, Moray Council 

Theresa Coull, Keith & Cullen, Moray Council

Dave Bremner, Fochabers & Lhanbryde, Moray Council

Marie Burns, Irvine East Ward, North Ayrshire Council

Christina Larsen, Irvine South, North Ayrshire Council 

Joseph Hopkins, Irvine South ward, North Ayrshire Council

Susan Johnson, Irvine East Ward, North Ayrshire Council

Jean McClung, Saltcoats and Stevenston Ward, North Ayrshire Council

Davina McTiernan, Stevenston Ward, North Ayrshire Council

Shaun Macaulay, Irvine West, North Ayrshire Council

Anthea Dickson, Garnock Valley, North Ayrshire Council

Tony Gurney, Ardrossan, North Ayrshire Council

Alan Hill, North Coast and Cumbraes, North Ayrshire Council

Lesley Jarvie, Airdrie Central, North Lanarkshire Council

Richard Sullivan, Airdrie North, North Lanarkshire Council

William Goldie, Cumbernauld South, North Lanarkshire Council

Ann Ballinger, Cumbernauld South, North Lanarkshire Council

Kirsten Larson, Coatbridge North, North Lanarkshire Council

Allan Stubbs, Coatbridge North, North Lanarkshire Council

Claire Barclay, Cumbernauld East Ward, North Lanarkshire Council

Greg Lennon, Gartcosh, Glenboig And Moodiesburn, North Lanarkshire Council

Alan Masterton, Cumbernauld North, North Lanarkshire Council

Denis Johnston, Kilsyth & Villages, North Lanarkshire Council

Margaret Hughes, Fortissat, North Lanarkshire Council

Jacqueline Cameron, Johnstone South & Elderslie, Renfrewshire Council

Julie Dettbarn, Kyle, South Ayrshire

Rosemary Fraser, Forth & Endrick, Stirling Council

John Watson, Trossachs & Teith, Stirling Council

Grant Thoms, Stirling East, Stirling Council

Ahsan Khan, Dunblane and Bridge of Allan, Stirling Council

Morag Fulton, Stirling West, Stirling Council

Brian Hambly, Bannockburn & Eastern Villages, Stirling Council


SDP (Social Democratic Party)

Robin Dudfield, Cardonald Ward, Glasgow City Council


Sovereignty

Ewan Gurr, Maryfield, Dundee City Council

Walter Neilson, Kirkcaldy East, Fife Council

David McHutchon, Speyside Glenlivet, Moray Council

Brian Nugent, Shetland Central, Shetland Islands Council

Kelly Wilson, Dumbarton, West Dunbartonshire Council


Volt Europa

Ewan Hoyle, Volt Europa, Pollokshields, Glasgow

END