THE Scottish National Party has selected its local candidate – in case a snap general election is called.

Amanda Burgauer was picked by the party's campaign committee to stand for election in the Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale constituency.

She told us: "I live in the heart of the Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale constituency – in Elvanfoot in South Lanarkshire. Living here I see every day what a great place this is to live and work, but I can also see many ways in which we could make it better.

"As well as personal connections to the area, I have many professional and voluntary connections to the communities of the constituency.

"I’m the volunteer chair of Scottish Rural Action – the organisation tasked with being a voice of rural Scotland. I’m also the treasurer of charity Wiston Lodge, a rural centre specialising in supporting young people and vulnerable adults, to build their skills and confidence.

"The diversity and rurality of our constituency means we have complex challenges, many of those challenges are compounded by lack of transport and digital connectivity.

"Addressing those challenges will be a priority for me because sorting out our transport and digital infrastructure is the key to unlocking the potential of our constituency."

Ms Burgauer has been a member of the SNP since 2014 and for the past 18 months has served as a member of the South of Scotland Economic Partnership.

In the late 90s she set up her own software company in South Lanarkshire, which eventually employed 14 staff.

Ms Burgauer added: "Our constituency is the heart of the south of Scotland, not the periphery of the central belt. If elected to serve as your MP I will strive to put our communities on the map and get our needs prioritised.

"We need a strong voice to represent our constituency’s needs, with a focus on securing resources and profile to improve the quality of life, infrastructure and the opportunities for everyone who lives here.

"I would like to be that voice, standing up for our constituency and our country. There has never been a more important time to make sure our voice is heard."