TV fisherman ends political ambitions

A FISHERMAN who featured on the BBC television series Trawlermen has stepped down as a candidate for the forthcoming Scottish Parliament elections.

Jimmy Buchan was selected to stand for the Conservatives in Banffshire and Buchan Coast but has given it up because of work commitments.

He stood in the general election last year in Banff and Buchan, the seat previously held by Alex Salmond at Westminster, and finished second behind the SNP with 30 per cent of the vote.

The working fisherman was then picked to fight for the new Holyrood seat, currently held by the SNP's Stewart Stevenson.

Mr Buchan said: "This has been an incredibly hard decision to make as I have been, and remain, committed to the Conservative cause.

"However, due to my responsibilities to my fishing business and to those who work with me, I have to step aside as a candidate."

The Holyrood election will be held on 5 May.