COUNCILLOR Nicholas Watson has resigned from Scottish Borders Council. His decision will trigger a by-election in Leaderdale and Melrose, and the Scottish Conservatives have already selected local resident Rachael Hamilton as their candidate.

Rachael, who co-owns The Buccleuch Arms Hotel in St. Boswells with her husband, says that she is looking forward to the campaign and proving to voters why she is the best candidate to represent them on the council.

Rachel said: "I am delighted to have been selected by the Scottish Conservatives as their candidate for this upcoming by-election. As someone who lives in the area, uses our local schools and services, and helps to run a local family business, I feel that I am well placed to represent the people of Leaderdale and Melrose.

"I'm looking forward to getting out and about and talking to residents to see what their council could do for them.

"Many people have already told me their concerns about the poor condition of our roads, the patchy internet service and the wind farm developments cropping up all over the area. I look forward to fighting this election on issues such as these and ensuring that changes are made for the better of our community."

Rachel added: "If elected, I promise to provide a strong, local voice for our area in the council chamber and will speak out for what I believe in regardless of party politics."