BUSINESSMAN and Chairman of Peebles Community Council Robin Tatler has announced he will stand for election in the Tweeddale East Ward of Scottish Borders Council next May.

He launched his campaign surrounded by supporters in front of the Peebles Mural, a project he led from concept to creation and which portrays the history and culture of Peebles.

Robin will be standing as an independent candidate and has kicked off his campaign by launching an online survey asking local people what issues they wish to see prioritised in the months ahead.

The survey includes questions on the public’s attitudes to: the performance of Scottish Borders Council and some proposed spending decisions; the need for a new High School in Peebles and community facilities on the south side of the Tweed and an affordable housing provision in Tweeddale.

Robin Tatler is a well-known community activist across Tweeddale, in addition to being chairman of Peebles Community Council, he is also a member of Innerleithen Rotary Club and trustee of the Food Foundation.

For several years he has also been involved in the AIMUp campaign to secure a bike uplift at Innerleithen, which would support and develop the international reputation for cycling the Tweed Valley has gained through its trails and events such as TweedLove.

Next March, Robin will complete a sponsored walk across the length of the Tweeddale East ward from Clovenfords to Peebles to raise funds for Tweeddale Youth Action and Peebles CAN and at the same time meet as many voters as possible.

Robin said: "I am passionate about this area and have lived here for many years, raising my family and building up a catering business.

"As a community activist I have always wanted to do my bit to make Tweeddale a better place and I know I can make a real contribution by putting the needs of the local community ahead of party politics.

"If elected I want to provide ideas and leadership for the area but I also want to reflect people’s own hopes and aspirations for their lives and communities.

"That’s why I have launched a survey which asks local people what their priorities are and what they want to see their money, and indeed Councillor’s time, spent on.

"Local government works best when it listens and responds to what people say rather than adopting a ‘top down’ approach that can make it seem distant and unresponsive to those it represents.

He added: "As a Councillor I would work to promote the sense of community pride in our towns and villages and represent their interests without having to follow a party line.

"My sponsored walk across the ward in March will be a chance to listen to voters views and opinions whilst at the same time raising money for two fantastic local projects that provide opportunities for young people in the area.

"I have already been out on the doorsteps across the ward listening to people and reflecting on what they have been telling me.

"I want to provide a real voice for Tweeddale East communities and put the views of their people above party politics."