For personal reasons, I have declined to be nominated as a candidate for the forthcoming elections to the Scottish Parliament. This has nothing to do with politics and everything to do with me. Over the coming weeks and months, I feel I need to concentrate on my writing and performing career, which I would not be able to do while being a candidate. I am therefore no longer #7 on the Glasgow Regional List.

While some people look down on politicians as a species, most will accept that it is not a 9-5 job. For the dedicated candidate, it can be round-the-clock – all unpaid.

I wish the remaining list candidates well, as I do the whole of the Scottish Liberal Democrat team, while I concentrate on getting the money in – both for me (those interested can hire my comedy/poetry/ventriloquism services at www.chrisyoung.biz) and fundraising for the campaigning effort (watch this space).