THE SNP’s former foreign affairs spokesman is bidding to become the party’s Holyrood candidate in Perthshire South and Kinross-shire.

Stephen Gethins hopes to contest the seat, which has been held by veteran MSP Roseanna Cunningham for 21 years, in next May’s election. 

He faces significant competition. 

Cunningham’s current aide Calum Smith, Strathmore councillor Fiona Sarwar and farmer Jim Fairlie are all looking for selection.

Gethins was formerly the SNP’s MP for North East Fife, holding the seat with a majority of just two between 2017 and 2019 when the Lib Dems recaptured the constituency. 

Before entering Westminster, Gethins - who grew up in Perth - previously worked as a special adviser to former first minister Alex Salmond.

He’s currently working as a Professor of Practice at the School of International Relations at the University of St Andrew

Gethins said he decided to throw his hat into the ring after local members asked him to stand. 

“This could not be a more important election for Scotland’s future. Over the past few days we have witnessed the UK Government stripping Scotland’s parliament of powers whilst turning its back on our European and international partners by declaring it will break international law. That will leave the UK isolated and as a pariah in Europe. That will be immensely damaging to us all."

He added: “Scotland can and must do better than this for the sake of us all and future generations. The forthcoming parliamentary elections will be crucial to making the case for and delivering an independence referendum.

"The cost of remaining in an isolated and declining UK under the Tories is too much. Independence is normal, being a Member of the EU is normal and working with our neighbours and partners on an equal basis is normal."

Smith also launched his campaign this week. He said: “Having been so involved in the history of SNP representation in this constituency, I very much want to be part of its future.

“I have no illusions about the reality of being an MSP, I know what the job is about and I know how parliament works. I’m ready to get down to business from day one.”

Sarwar said her experience as a local councillor would be put to good use in Holyrood.

“As a councillor at Perth and Kinross it has been a real privilege to listen to the community, liaise with council officers on their behalf and work for the betterment of us all in highlighting the very real challenges we are currently facing in Scotland," she said.

“All of these skills have made me a strong communicator, someone who can at the same time see the big picture and analyse the detail and who knows what it’s like to face real life challenges like in-work poverty and rural transport.”

Perthshire farmer Jim Fairlie, a founding member of Farmers for Yes, said he was standing “to help deliver an independent Scotland” and said he had “never lost sight of the unique challenges we face in this country”.

But he said he would also focus on local issues: “The message that I am getting from members is that there are many local issues that need our attention. 

"Whether it is the from the impact of flooding, the distress of inadequate housing, the problems resulting from drug abuse, the threat to jobs due to COVID-19 or the recent widespread littering from fly tipping and dirty camping, I know that these are just some of the issues troubling people right now, and I am ready to address them as the local MSP.”