Hamish Mackay to stand in Aberdeen by-election

Hamish Mackay

Well known journalist Hamish Mackay, who grew up in Armadale and went to Farr Junior School and Dornoch Academy, is entering the fray as an independent candidate in the key Aberdeen City Council by-election for Airyhall, Broomhill and Garthdee on Thursday, June 23.

His nomination brings the total of candidates bidding to succeed disgraced former city councillor Scott Cassie to eight.

Mackay, 63, was born in Halkirk, and is a journalism graduate from the University of Westminster, London.

He has been a journalist for the past 45years – beginning his career on the John o’ Groats Journal and subsequently joining the Press and Journal in Aberdeen. During a 25-year stint with the morning newspaper, he rose to the position of acting news editor.

During the past 15 years he has run his own business in Aberdeen – Mackay Media Consultancy.

He is a present and past member of a number of community and charitable bodies in Aberdeen and is a past chairman of Aberdeen Community Council Forum.

He has stood three times unsuccessfully for election to Aberdeen City Council and has also twice contested the post of Rector of Aberdeen University.

• When nominations for the by-election closed on Wednesday, it was confirmed that eight candidates will contest the seat, from the Scottish Green Party, Scottish National Front, Lib-Dems, Labour, SNP, Tory and two Independents.