Spin doctor to run for park spot

HE MAY be used to fighting elections, but not when he is the candidate himself.

Charlie Whelan, Gordon Brown's former spin doctor, is to seek election next month to the Cairngorms National Park Authority.

The list of candidates released yesterday shows Mr Whelan is one of five candidates for Ward 3 in the park, an area where the main communities of Carrbridge, Cromdale, Grantown and Nethybridge have 4,088 voters.

Since 2002 he has lived in the village of Dulnain Bridge, where he is a popular figure and lover of fishing and playing golf. He will contest the seat with Mary McCafferty, also from Dulnain Bridge; and Grantown on Spey residents Duncan MacKellar, Don Scobbie and Ewan Sutton.

Mr Whelan said: "I'm retired so I've plenty of time to do the job. It seemed to me the park (authority] was not hard enough, or strong enough and doesn't speak up enough. It seems to be quite timid.

"I love the area and want to give something back to it. I have a bit of expertise and I know how to deal with politicians."

Four of the five wards will be contested and ballot papers will be sent out on 22 February and must be returned by 4pm on Thursday, 17 March.