Hello South Scotland - I'm Laura Moodie

After much thought and encouragement from friends, family and fellow campaigners, I'm delighted to announce that I'll be standing as the Scottish Green Party's lead candidate for the South Scotland at next year's Holyrood elections in May 2026.

For those who don't know me yet, let me introduce myself properly.

I've called the South of Scotland home for over twelve years now, and I can't imagine living anywhere else. This beautiful region - from the rolling hills of South Lanarkshire and the Borders to the dramatic coastlines of Dumfries and Galloway and Ayrshire - isn't just where I live, it's where my heart is.

Like many of you, I've watched our communities face real challenges over the years. I've seen local bus services cut, leaving villages isolated. I've spoken to parents struggling to heat their homes whilst energy companies make record profits. I've watched young people leave our region because they can't afford to stay, and farmers worry about extreme weather threatening their livelihoods.

But I've also seen something else: the incredible strength, creativity and determination of people across the South of Scotland. From community groups setting up food hubs and warm spaces, to local businesses pioneering renewable energy projects, to volunteers keeping our village halls and sports clubs running - this region is full of people who refuse to give up on their communities.

That's exactly the spirit we need to take to Holyrood.

In 2021, I came heartbreakingly close to being elected - just 115 votes short. Since then, I've been out in communities across the South, listening to your concerns and ideas. What I've heard has only strengthened my resolve.

We need representatives who understand that politics isn't about grand gestures or point-scoring - it's about making life better for ordinary people. It's about ensuring a single mum in Dumfries doesn't have to choose between heating and eating. It's about making sure a teenager in Hawick can get to college without their family having to run a car they can barely afford. It's about supporting our farmers to adapt to climate change rather than leaving them to struggle alone.

Tackling Poverty Through Fair Taxation

It's simply wrong that in one of the world's wealthiest countries, people are using food banks and sleeping rough. Whilst working families struggle, some of the richest people pay proportionally less tax than those on minimum wage. I believe we should tax unearned wealth - things like property speculation and financial trading - to fund the services our communities need. This isn't about penalising success; it's about ensuring everyone contributes fairly to the society we all depend on.

Facing the Climate and Nature Emergencies

The floods, droughts and storms we've seen in recent years aren't one-offs - they're our new reality unless we act quickly. But tackling climate change doesn't have to mean making life harder for ordinary people. Done right, it means good green jobs that can’t be done by AI, warmer homes with lower bills, cleaner air for our children, and thriving natural spaces that support both wildlife and rural tourism.

Our beautiful landscapes and diverse wildlife aren't just nice to have - they're essential for our economy and wellbeing. I want to see nature recovery projects that create jobs whilst bringing back species that our ecosystems depend on.

Transport That Works for Everyone

Too many of our communities have been cut off as bus services disappear and rail connections remain patchy. This isn't just inconvenient - it's a social justice issue. If you can't afford a car, or can't drive, you shouldn't be trapped in your village or town.

I'm committed to fighting for proper investment in public transport. Regular, affordable bus services connecting our villages and towns. Better rail links that don't force people to travel via Glasgow, Carlisle or Edinburgh for journeys that should be direct. And safe cycling and walking routes that give people real alternatives to car dependency.

I know these challenges can feel overwhelming. But I genuinely believe we have everything we need to build a better future for the South of Scotland. We have abundant resources, stunning natural assets, resilient communities, and people with brilliant ideas.

What we need now is political leadership that listens, that understands the real challenges people face, and that's willing to fight for the changes our region needs.

That's exactly what I'm offering.

Over the coming months, I'll be out and about across the South of Scotland - in community halls, on high streets, at farmers' markets and school gates. I want to hear your ideas, your concerns, and your hopes for our region. Politics works best when it's a conversation, not a lecture.

I'm also excited to work alongside the incredible activists and campaigners who are already making a difference in our communities. Whether you're involved in community ownership, food growing initiatives, transport campaigns, or any other local group, I want to learn from your experience and amplify your voice at Holyrood.

Change doesn't happen through one person alone - it happens when communities come together. If you share my vision for a fairer, greener, more connected South of Scotland, there are lots of ways you can get involved:

Every conversation, every shared post, every conversation with a neighbour matters. In 2021, we were 115 votes away from having a strong Green voice for our region in Parliament. This time, I believe we can get over the line.

I want to end with a personal promise. If elected, I will never forget that I'm there to serve you, not the other way around. I'll hold regular surgeries across the region, respond to your emails and letters, and always be honest about what's possible and what isn't.

Politics can feel distant and disconnected from our daily lives. I'm determined to change that. Your MSP should be someone you can approach, someone who understands your life, and someone who will fight your corner.

Together, we can build a South of Scotland that works for everyone - where nobody is left behind, where our natural environment thrives, and where every community has the transport links and opportunities it needs.

The future is in our hands. Let's make it count.

You can follow my campaign on social media or contact me directly through this blog. I'd love to hear from you.

Laura Moodie
Scottish Green Party Candidate for South of Scotland