Monday February 9th 2026
Scottish Borders Councillor James Anderson
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
A Borders Independent councillor has announced he is standing as a candidate for the Scottish Parliament, pledging that if elected he will be “as big a thorn in the Scottish Government as I have been to SBC”.
East Berwickshire representative James Anderson is to contest the Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire constituency on Thursday, May 7.
Mr Anderson, elected to Scottish Borders Council in 2022, says his campaign will be “about fairness, honesty, and local priorities” with a “voice rooted in community, not party politics”.
The single dad of four, who has been a foster carer for more than a decade, said: “I’m someone who has spent their life working hard to support family, neighbours, and community.
“For years, I’ve seen how decisions made in party-political bubbles often ignore the realities of life here in the Borders.
“I’m standing because I believe we deserve better, not just promises at election time, but honest, independent representation that puts people before parties.
“I managed a McDonald’s in my younger career like many young people around Berwickshire who started their first jobs there with me and then I built up my own small gardening business from scratch.
“Life threw some big challenges my way: serious health problems and major operations that changed everything. But out of that came one of the most rewarding parts of my life, becoming a foster carer.
“For nearly 14 years now, I’ve opened my life to children who needed a home, giving them stability, love, and a chance to feel safe.
“A few years ago I joined Eyemouth Community Council, thinking I’d just help out locally. What I saw shocked me. Ordinary people, hard-working mums, dads, grandparents were being dismissed, talked down to, or ignored by those in positions of power. The disdain was real, and it made me angry.”
Mr Anderson became Honorary Provost of Eyemouth Community Council in 2016, and stayed in that role for six years.
By 2022 he felt he had “no choice” but to stand for election on SBC.
He explained: “I’m not a career politician. I went into this for one reason only: to stand up for the things that affect our lives, decent schools, proper care for our elderly because we will all get old if we are lucky, fair opportunities, safe streets, and a local economy that gives our young people a reason to stay here instead of leaving.
“My focus is straightforward and heartfelt: Cut out real waste in the Scottish Government so we can protect and properly invest in our schools, education, and the NHS, the things that matter most to families every single day.”
Four other candidates have already declared their intention to stand in the constituency: Ray Georgeson (Lib Dems); Rachael Hamilton (Conservative and Unionist); Kaymarie Hughes (Labour); John Redpath (SNP).
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