Councillor Elizabeth Robertson on by-election in Gourock

Again, I want to take the opportunity to thank the myriad helpers who have canvassed or delivered leaflets and letters throughout the past seven weeks or so.

I know that the manoeuvrings of stubborn gates, the precarious slidings through letterboxes when dogs are nipping at the other end, and the dulcet tones of now ubiquitous Ring Doorbells are really all part of the allure of campaigning! Aren’t they?

I have been immensely proud of our team, who have helped willingly and at pace throughout this process, and prouder still of the great organisation within Gourock of our current elected member, Councillor Sandra Reynolds, which has enabled all the work to proceed.

It is the stuff of dreams for a group leader, when someone comes forward, wanting to represent their community, when that person is so well-known, so rooted and so caring of that community. Our candidate, Robert Kirkpatrick has not only stated that he is all in for Gourock, but he has also demonstrated it every day of his candidacy.

Robert Kirkpatrick with local SNP campaigners ahead of the Inverclyde West (or Gourock) by-election today. (Image: COPYRIGHT_DUNCAN BRYCELAND 2024) I know that Robert has appreciated the support of the team – particularly his campaign manager, Stuart McMillan MSP – but the level of personal commitment he has made to communicating his message effectively right across his ward has been so evident throughout.

Robert has been a great candidate for the SNP, and I believe he would be a great councillor for Gourock, joining an established team within that ward which works really well for their people and their place.

The local issues that the people of Gourock have raised when we have spoken to them - their roads, their town centre, their public transport linksand more - are issues that Sandra and (I hope) Robert will be able to address, or in many cases continue to address, together from next week.

Being a councillor, representing our community, is such a privilege. Sometimes a joy, sometimes heart-breaking, but always a privilege. Now that we are halfway through this term of office, consideration will turn to our next full election in 2027.

I hope that more community-minded and caring people will feel able to come forward to offer their skills and experience to serve each of our seven Inverclyde wards.

For this week, our focus is on Gourock, and who they will have as a new representative on Friday morning. I will be supporting Robert Kirkpatrick, and the SNP, all the way.