Scottish Liberal Democrat members in the key target of Strathkelvin and Bearsden have chosen former charity worker Adam Harley as their candidate in the Holyrood election in May 2026.

The seat significantly overlaps with the UK Parliament constituency of Mid Dunbartonshire,  won by our Susan Murray by almost 10,000 votes at the General election last July.

Adam grew up and went to school in Bishopbriggs where he now lives with his wife and son. He originally worked in Theatre and the Arts before moving over to the Charity sector, fighting for the rights of people with cystic fibrosis to access life-saving medicines. He has also volunteered for organisations educating children from disadvantaged backgrounds and has worked with community groups supporting young people in danger of becoming involved in the criminal justice system, helping them turn their lives around.

He now works for Alex Cole-Hamilton, leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats.

The current MSP Rona Mackay has announced that she will be standing down at the forthcoming election.

Adam said:

So many people feel like nothing works anymore and that politicians aren’t on their side. I am committed to listening to the people and communities that make up Strathkelvin & Bearsden and giving my all to make sure they have the representation they deserve.

Under the SNP, our NHS has deteriorated, local schools are left in disrepair, and the cost of living has risen, making day-to-day life harder for everyone.

It’s time for change. I want to build on the success of Susan Murray in the recent UK parliament election and work to make life easier, fairer and more affordable for everyone who lives here.

Alex Cole-Hamilton said:

Adam will be a great MSP. He has the experience and energy to represent Strathkelvin & Bearsden, and will speak up for residents on the issues that matter most, like swift access to local healthcare and well-funded local services.

After our stunning victory in Mid Dunbartonshire at last summer’s election where we pushed the SNP back into second place, this is now a top target for my party at next year’s Scottish Parliament election.

Voters will have a choice, a hardworking local champion in Adam Harley or more of the same with the SNP.

* Caron Lindsay is Editor of Liberal Democrat Voice and blogs at Caron's Musings. You can find her on Bluesky at caronmlindsay.bsky.social