Council Elections 2022 – Finlay McFarlane – City Centre Ward

• Name: Finlay McFarlane
• Political Party: SNP
• Ward: City Centre

What is your story?

My family taught me to try to make a material difference to peoples’ lives. They fostered many children and mums with new babies throughout my childhood. My career is in providing financial support and advice to small businesses, and I am a national award-winning campaigner for male survivors of sexual and domestic violence.  Having a positive impact on others is important.

What are the main issues you will campaign on?

1. Implementing the short-term let control zone.  We really must address rising rental costs and make more properties available for the people who live here.
2. Supporting small businesses to recover and develop a thriving City Centre. I bring knowledge and expertise from the role I have now advising small businesses and will put this to good use in the Council.
3. Renegotiate the deal between Edinburgh’s festivals and local residents making sure the explosion of culture in our city every year is beneficial for everyone.

What do you consider to be your or your party’s achievements or legacy during the last council session?

The last few years have been incredibly difficult for so many people. I am really proud that the SNP-led administration focused on helping those who needed it most, providing more than £16m in Covid Recovery alongside other direct support to individuals and families.

What is the thing that few people would know about you?

I currently support businesses recover from the pandemic but this follows a career in theatre. I’ve performed around the UK and abroad, and worked with people like Strictly’s Craig Revel Horwood and the Kings Theatre’s own three amigos Andy Gray, Allan Stewart and Grant Stott. I know from my time in theatre just how hard working and talented people in the creative industries are and how much of an asset they are to our city and culture.