Constituency report: Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk

Credit: ITV Border

The Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk constituency has been served by a Liberal Democrat since its creation.

Michael Moore won the seat when it was formed in 2005, but he had been an MP in the area since 1997.

In 2010 he received more than 45% of the vote, with his closest rival the Conservative candidate, and Labour coming in third.

But with the fourth placed SNP predicted to take a higher share of the vote this year, the overall distribution of the vote is set to change.

The constituency

Geographically, the Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk constituency spans from the coast to the upland hills.

It is a largely rural area, and includes the towns of Hawick, Jedburgh and Eyemouth.

At the last election, the result was as follows:

The Liberal Democrats were 11.6% ahead of their closest rivals, the Conservatives Credit: ITV Border

So what do those heading to the polls this May need to know?

At a glance:

  • Historically, the textile industry was a big employer in the region

  • Farming, fishing, and tourism are now the main industries

  • More than 20% of the population is over 65 years old

The region has attracted major fashion houses, like Chanel and Dior, in the past.

But as the textile trade has declined, fishing, farming, and tourism have become the big industries of the area.

For those whose income comes depends on fishing, protecting the River Tweed is concern:

For those involved in farming, the Common Agricultural Policy reform is an important issue:

And while the textile industry has been in decline in recent years, some companies are working hard to maintain the Borders' legacy and train workers with traditional skills.

They want support for this endeavour:

And with an ageing population in a rural setting, transport is another key issue:

The Candidates

We asked some of the candidates standing for election on May 7 to tell us what it is that they think matters in the constituency:

Scottish Conservative candidate John Lamont Credit: ITV Border
SNP candidate Calum Kerr Credit: ITV Border
Scottish Labour Candidate, Kenryck Lloyd-Jones Credit: ITV Border
Scottish Liberal Democrat candidate Michael Moore Credit: ITV Border

The full list of the candidates registered to stand in Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk is as follows:

  • Calum Robert Kerr (SNP)

  • John Robert Lamont (Scottish Conservative)

  • Kenryck Arthur Lloyd-Jones (Scottish Labour)

  • Michael Kevin Moore (Scottish Liberal Democrats)

  • Peter Thomas Neilson (UKIP)

  • Jesse Rae (Independent)

  • Pauline Stewart (Scottish Green Party)

Watch Jenny Longden's full report on the Berwickshire, Roxburgh, and Selkirk constituency: