Yes group founder to challenge Tory deputy for Scottish Borders Holyrood seat

A FOUNDING member of Yes Berwickshire has been chosen to contest the Scottish Tories deputy leader at the upcoming Holyrood elections.

John Redpath will contest the constituency seat of Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire for the SNP against incumbent Rachael Hamilton. 

Redpath was the sole nominee for the constituency but was required to have a set number of members confirm his candidacy.

He surpassed the quota within two days and has now been confirmed as the party’s candidate. 

Hamilton has held the seat for the Tories since 2017. She was made deputy Tory leader when Russell Findlay was made leader in September 2024.

Hamilton currently has a majority of 6800, but Redpath insists he is “confident” that the SNP could win the constituency. 

Redpath said: "I am overwhelmed at the enthusiasm and faith the local members have placed in me and I aim to do them proud throughout this campaign.

"I was born and raised in the village of Gordon and I care so deeply for the area I grew up in, and for the people I grew up around. 

(Image: LESLEY MARTIN) “I’ve experienced first-hand the issues that many families have faced, and the ignorance of the Tories and Labour to those problems. I know the Borders can do better than the status quo. That is why I put my name forward to be the SNP candidate for next year’s election.”

The SNP activist said his campaign would show voters that the party “cares” and has a plan to tackle the issues facing them.

"My main priority for this election will be to talk to as many voters as possible, and to bring back our voters that stayed at home in last year’s difficult General election,” he said. 

“We will also tackle the dogmatic and divisive politics of the Tories and Reform UK and offer real progress for those in our communities that are still hurting from decades of failed austerity politics.

“Central to my campaign will also be bringing the argument for independence to the Borders in a way different to that of the Central Belt, and advocate for the Borders in all independence-related discussions.

"It’s time that we had a fresh start, and that starts with my confirmation as SNP candidate. I’m ready to hit the ground running and build an army of grassroots activists that will help show the Tories the door."

SNP branches across Scotland are currently choosing their candidates for the Holyrood 2026 election.

We told how former SNP MP David Linden, who is bidding the be the candidate for Baillieston and Shettleston, was reprimanded for falsely suggesting John Swinney had endorsed him as a candidate.