Former teacher Carol McFarlane has been announced as Labour’s candidate for the North Berwick Coastal ward in May’s East Lothian Council elections.

Carol (pictured), a North Berwick resident for more than 30 years and a member of the community council, will run in place of sitting councillor Jim Goodfellow, who has previously confirmed he is retiring.

Before retirement, Carol spent her work life as a primary school teacher, training at Moray House and teaching at various schools, including Preston Tower Primary in Prestonpans.

She has also been a dedicated member of the Labour Party, chairing the local party branch, representing East Lothian as the party’s women’s officer and playing a role in the Better Together campaign at the 2014 Scottish independence referendum.

She said: “I’m delighted to have been chosen as the Labour candidate for this ward.

“Jim Goodfellow has been an outstanding councillor over the last decade who has worked tirelessly for local people and communities – he will be a very hard act to follow.

“However, I am confident that my experience as a teacher and campaigner, along with my great love of North Berwick and our wonderful area, will enable me to be an excellent representative for this ward.

“The next council session will have to focus on Covid recovery and ensuring services are protected and communities supported.

“My priorities will be our schools and young people, getting the Edington Hospital fully reopened, pushing for more affordable housing, and assisting local businesses and community groups.

“Above all else, I will always stand up for the interests of North Berwick, Gullane, Aberlady, Dirleton and the other villages in this ward and fight for our fair share of funding from the SNP Government.”

Council elections take place on Thursday, May 5, with Judy Lockhart-Hunter, Jeremy Findlay (both Conservatives) and Jacq Cottrell (Greens) also so far announced as standing in the North Berwick Coastal ward.