Douglas Lumsden MSP has been selected as the Scottish Conservative candidate for Aberdeenshire East in the upcoming Scottish Parliament election, pledging to be a strong voice for the region and deliver on the priorities that matter to local residents.
Currently serving as a North East regional MSP and the Scottish Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Energy, Mr Lumsden expressed his gratitude at being chosen to stand in a constituency he describes as “close to my heart”.
“I am delighted and honoured to be the Scottish Conservative candidate for Aberdeenshire East,” said Mr Lumsden. “For too long, the SNP have treated Aberdeenshire East as an afterthought and failed the area, which is why I am determined to champion this constituency.”
A former co-leader of Aberdeen City Council and veteran of the oil and gas sector with over 25 years of industry experience, Mr Lumsden brings a deep understanding of the region’s economic drivers and challenges. He is committed to standing up for communities across Aberdeenshire East and ensuring they receive the attention and investment they deserve.
Mr Lumsden has outlined his key priorities which include:
- Protecting Local Jobs and Skills: Backing the region’s key industries—particularly oil and gas, farming, and fishing—through sustainable policy and investment.
- Upgrading Key Roads: Campaigning for much-needed improvements to the A96, A90, and A947 to support safety and economic growth.
- Standing with Affected Communities: Advocating for residents in areas such as Maud, New Deer, Rothienorman, and Kintore who are facing disruption from pylon, substation, and battery storage developments.
- Improving Healthcare Access: Calling for a new health centre in Ellon and increased GP availability across the region, along with enhanced access to minor injury services in towns like Turriff.
Mr Lumsden highlighted the Scottish Conservatives' recent success in the area, noting the party’s strong performance in the 2024 General Election, when Harriet Cross was elected MP for Gordon and Buchan.
“The issues that matter to the people of Aberdeenshire East are of huge importance to me,” he added. “If elected, I will fight tooth and nail for this constituency and work tirelessly to deliver the change it deserves.”
