HE had never heard of Scotland when he arrived as a refugee 20 years ago. Now Abdul Bostani wants to "repay" its people by serving as an MSP.
The community activist was just 18 when the Home Office brought him here.
His wife Khalida followed and they now have six children and a clutch of awards for his inclusion and sports work in Glasgow through the Scottish Unity League and Glasgow Afghan United.
He says that's work that's seen him challenge Westminster austerity and the hostile environment.
Now he has put himself forwards for selection in East Kilbride, where several other candidates also want to secure the SNP ticket as Linda Fabiani MSP steps down.
He said: "My life story embodies the values of the SNP – Scotland took me in, sheltered me, educated me and made me part of the community.
"Afghanistan will always be the country I am from, but Scotland is now my home.
"Scotland has great potential to become an independent country. We are one of the world’s leading countries on renewable energy sources, on natural environment and Higher Education provision per head of the population.
"Our economy is highly diverse and consists of resource-based activities like, food, agriculture, oil and gas extraction and related engineering and technologically advanced sectors notably life sciences, financial services and creative industries.
"It would be an honour and a privilege to serve the people of Scotland. I see it as a debt I want to repay for the open arms the Scottish people have shown me."
Others to seek selection include SNP staffer Grant Costello and Councillor Danish Ashraf as well as Grant Ferguson and Colette Stevenson.
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