Former Aberdeen and Northern Marts director Peter Chapman has been elected as a councillor for Central Buchan following a by-election last week.

Mr Chapman, served as an MSP for Banffshire and Buchan Coast between 2016 and 2021, acting as the Scottish Conservative’s shadow secretary for rural affairs until 2018.

At a time where the agricultural and political worlds appear further apart than ever, his appointment sees the reintroduction of an experienced politician with a vested interest in the industry.

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Speaking after his win Mr Chapman said: “I’m delighted to win the Central Buchan seat from the SNP and it is an honour to represent my local area.

“I want to strengthen our public services, improve our roads, enhance our schools and support industries such as oil and gas, farming and fishing.

“At a time when the SNP government is continuing to inflict huge cuts on our council, I will always focus on the priorities that matter to people by best serving their interests on a range of key issues.”

Mr. Chapman, a farmer from Mintlaw and former vice-president of NFUS, secured over 41% of the first preference votes.