Former Great Britain Judo Champion and Commonwealth Games medalist, Connie Ramsay, says she will “take the fight to the Highland Council” following her selection as the Highland Liberal Democrat candidate in the Tain and Easter Ross by-election.

Full statement

Speaking after kicking off her campaign, Connie Ramsay said she is “in this to take the fight to the Highland Council and win for our community, starting with protecting our leisure facilities at TRACC.”

A well-known local in Tain and former Tain Royal Academy pupil, Connie won a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games in Judo. She continues to teach the sport in Easter Ross, alongside running her own local personal fitness business.

A community activist too, Connie volunteers at weed picking across Tain and earlier this year joined the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service as a retained firefighter based out of the Tain Fire Station.

The Highland Liberal Democrat candidate said her campaign will “focus on the local issues that matter” as she targets improving roads and public transport, increasing access to local NHS services, and opposing the closure of the TRACC facilities.

The potential closure of the Tain Royal Academy Community Complex (TRACC) and the loss of swimming facilities - mooted in a consultation by the SNP-Independent administration at Highland Council - is expected to be a red hot issue in the upcoming by-election.

Connie Ramsay, the Liberal Democrat candidate for Tain and Easter Ross, said:

“I’m excited to be standing as the Highland Liberal Democrat candidate for Tain and Easter Ross. Too many people tell me things are not working, that just isn’t good enough. With a fresh, energetic perspective, I want to get things done.

“I love Tain and Easter Ross, it's why I have lived here all my life. I am in this campaign to take the fight to the Highland Council and win for our community, starting with protecting our leisure facilities at TRACC.

“My commitment is to focus on the issues that matter to local people; from upgrading our roads to delivering reliable public transport that works for local people and fighting for access to NHS services that are truly local.”

Connie has the backing of former Tain councillor and current Easter-Ross MP, Jamie Stone. Mr Stone said: “I have known Connie for many years; I am delighted she is standing. She is a great addition to the team, and I have no doubt she will be exactly the voice we need in ensuring Tain and Easter Ross get a fair deal from Highland Council.”

David Green, the party’s Holyrood candidate for Caithness, Sutherland, and Ross, added: “I am delighted Connie is standing - she has the talent, drive and community spirit needed to make a real difference. We have all seen public service deteriorate under this SNP-led administration, but on 25th of September people have a chance to vote for change with Connie and the Highland Liberal Democrats.”