Ruth Whitfield

Ruth is 32 and is training to be a NHS podiatrist. She graduated from Edinburgh University with a degree in biomedical sciences and went on to work for David McLetchie MSP as his constituency PA. In this role, Ruth worked directly with the public over concerns, such as healthcare and education, and assisted in the running of the Save Our Regiments campaign.

Ruth went on to work for the Scottish Conservative Party centrally, co-ordinating shadow cabinet visits, local government campaigning and dealing directly with the public on manifesto and policy issues.

In her spare time, Ruth has volunteered with special needs children, the homeless, multiple sclerosis and cancer care patients.

Sophia Coyle

Sophia Coyle is local to Airdrie and Shotts and believes this stands her in good stead to take the seat.

She was the SNP candidate for Airdrie and Shotts in the 2007 Scottish election and ran Labour MSP, Karen Whitefield very close.

One of Sophia's key issues has been the fight to keep the Accident and Emergency Department at Monklands Hospital open.

John Love

John was elected a Liberal Democrat member of North Lanarkshire Council in 2007. Currently he serves on the Planning & Transport Committee; Policy & Resources sub-committees on Finance and Human Resources; Regeneration; Housing & Social Work Committees and Members/Officials Committee on Term Contracts.

As a member of the Airdrie Local Area Partnership is actively seeking to continue the work of town-centre regeneration including working to facilitate the Airdrie/Bathgate railway connection and the consequent upheaval to the areas roads.

Having a place on the local authority he has applied his Liberal Democrat principles for the benefit of all the people.