Scottish secretary and Labour leader make Hamilton election visits
The duo respectively visited a Hamilton restaurant and Larkhall charity as Labour bid to win the Holyrood seat on June 5
Scottish Secretary Ian Murray paid a visit to a 'Hamilton institution' with by-election candidate Davy Russell as they discussed hospitality industry issues with the founder of an award-winning local restaurant group.
The Labour duo spent an afternoon at Carrigan's Eating House, meeting founder John Carrigan and even trying their hand at pulling pints behind the bar.
Party leader Anas Sarwar has also been back in the Hamilton, Larkhall & Stonehouse constituency a further twice this week, meeting families taking part in sessions at the Machan Trust in Larkhall and then cheering on Mr Russell in a different sort of competition – as he took to the bowling green for a tournament hosted at Raploch.
Mr Murray told how the visit to Carrigan's saw the trio discuss business and the restaurant group's community work, and said: 'Without people like John we wouldn't have wonderful businesses like this – I used to be a publican myself so I know the real value of having these at the heart of the community.
'He's been raising some big issues with us – they were very frustrated that their business didn't get the rates relief afforded to hospitality businesses in England.'
Mr Russell added: 'The UK Labour government has given rates relief to the hospitality industry in England and Wales, however the same hasn't happened in Scotland.
'The SNP have ignored the pleas of people in the hospitality industry, leaving them to their own devices, which isn't good enough.'
The Labour candidate and Mr Sarwar visited Larkhall charity the Machan Trust to learn more about the organisation's work and even joined in a busy play session, on the party leader's latest trip to the constituency.
Mr Sarwar said: 'There's some great work being done in Larkhall by the Machan Trust, giving families huge amounts of support. It was a pleasure to meet some of the families who benefit.'
He says the by-election 'is going to be very close' and said: 'Ultimately, it's going to result in either a Labour MSP or an SNP MSP.
'The message we're getting across is that after 18 years of SNP failure, where our NHS has record long waiting times, where more and more people are forced to go private, where our schools are falling down the international league table, and we have an SNP government that's addicted to wasting your money, that we have to get change.'
Mr Russell also praised the work of the Machan Trust, saying: 'Third sector organisations like this give families vital support. As MSP for Hamilton, Larkhall & Stonehouse, I will fight for groups just like this so that families in our community can continue to benefit.'
He also highlighted an emerging issue of a bus service having been re-routed away from congested Brankholm Brae in Hamilton due to increased congestion following the pavement parking ban, and said: 'I know that the 226 is a vital service and the change to its route has impacted many. I'm determined to find a solution to this so our community remains connected.'
A total of 10 candidates are standing in the constituency's by-election on June 5. The full list of those appearing on the ballot paper is: Collette Bradley (Scottish Socialist Party); Andy Brady (Scottish Family Party); Ross Lambie (Reform); Katy Loudon (SNP); Janice MacKay (UKIP); Ann McGuinness (Green); Aisha Mir (Liberal Democrats); Richard Nelson (Conservative); Davy Russell (Labour); and Marc Wilkinson (independent).
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