'Social justice is my main motivation', says newly elected councillor
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Marianne Hutchison may be a new face at Highland Council but she’s a well known character in Lochinver.
The SNP councillor was elected on the first count to represent the vast, rural ward of North, West and Central Sutherland.
Ms Hutchison says she is “very grounded” in the area, having lived there almost her whole life and taught for 30 years.
After her election, Ms Hutchison had to quit teaching with immediate effect.
“It was a wrench to leave teaching, but I was ready for a change.”
Ms Hutchison said she had a good feeling during the campaign, and people were welcoming, but she didn’t get ahead of herself.
“You can’t count your chickens, as they say, so I was just waiting to see what would happen. The count was so exciting and well run. I was very impressed and felt so well supported by my group and the council.”
Ms Hutchison first became interested in local politics through her teaching, and she’s also heavily involved with local groups, including her community council.
For the past 15 years, she has served on the children’s panel.
“In small places like this, you do end up involved in every committee. Social justice is my main motivation. We need a fairer system and to look to the most vulnerable. Campaigning confirmed that for me.”
As an SNP member, Ms Hutchison says she’s “really excited” by their Highland manifesto and keen to represent her party in her home town.
The past few days have been a whirlwind, and there’s a lot to take in for new members.
However, she’s keeping an open mind about which committees she may join at Highland Council and is simply focused on learning as much as she can.
“I went down to Inverness for the induction and it was great being there, really positive. It felt like a safe and supportive environment. The chief executive gave an introductory presentation and it was so inspiring, I felt quite emotional.”
Ms Hutchison would like to thank everyone who helped her campaign and voted for her.
She is looking forward to attending her first meeting of Highland Council on May 26.
Central, West and North Sutherland is represented by Michael Baird (Liberal Democrats), Hugh Morrison (Independent) and Marianne Hutchison (SNP).
