COURIER columnist Rachael Hamilton, who is a list MSP for South of Scotland, is to contest the Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire Holyrood seat in the upcoming by-election.
Mrs Hamilton will stand down from her current MSP role as she fights to take over from fellow Conservative politician John Lamont, who has resigned.
Hotelier Mrs Hamilton, who co-owns the Buccleuch Arms Hotel, in St Boswells, said: " I am honoured to have been selected as the Scottish Conservative candidate for the Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire by-election.
"John Lamont has been a fantastic and extremely hard working MSP so I know I have some big shoes to fill."
The by-election was called following Mr Lamont's decision to resign so he can contest the Berwickshire, Roxburgh & Selkirk Westminster constituency in the upcoming General Election.
Mrs Hamilton was selected on Sunday evening during a local party meeting.
Under Parliamentary rules she will now have to stand down as a list MSP.
During last year's Scottish Parliament elections Mrs Hamilton increased the Conservative vote in East Lothian from 5,344 in 2011 to 9,045 (16.6 to 23.8 per cent) to come in third in the constituency race, behind winner Iain Gray, and SNP candidate DJ Johnston Smith.
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