TWO candidates have thrown their hats in the ring to stand for the SNP at the next Holyrood election.  

Councillor Fay Sinclair and former MP Calum Kerr are both hoping to be selected to be on the ballot paper in Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale.

Christine Grahame, who has served as an MSP for 25 years, announced last month that she would retire at the next election.

Fay Sinclair is currently a councillor for the Galashiels and District ward.

Councillor Sinclair said: “I would offer a fresh voice for parliament, with energy, drive and passion backed by a decade of experience as an elected member in local government.

“My motivation is very simple, to make Scotland the best place it can be for my children to grow up in and for all who live here.

“I know I have the skills, vision and determination to make a difference for the people of Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale and look forward to setting out why members should vote for me as the selection process progresses.”

Calum Kerr was previously the MP for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk between 2015 and 2017.

He said: “I am well qualified to be the MSP for this area, with extensive experience in the world of business, as director of a local charity, and of course as a Westminster MP.

“This area is my home, I was born here and have raised my own family here in the Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale constituency.

"I love this part of Scotland and I want to serve the people here as their Member of the Scottish Parliament.

“I'm determined to see our communities thrive, our local economy grow, our services improve ˗ and in doing so, build support for our independence.

"If selected by my party to be their candidate, and I'm elected to Holyrood, I will do everything in my power to advance these ambitions.”

The next Holyrood election is due to take place in May 2026, however, First Minister John Swinney has not ruled out a snap election if the Scottish Budget does not pass parliament.