Local campaigner and charity worker Andy Chan has been selected as the Scottish Conservative and Unionist candidate for the Perth City South by-election, due to take place on Thursday 26th November.
Born and raised in Perth, Andy attended Craigie Primary School, Perth High School and Perth College UHI where he studied hospitality and tourism followed by Accountancy at Abertay University - all the time helping in the family takeaway business in Glengarry Road. Active in many community groups, Andy is currently Chairman of the Perth Chinese Association, Vice Chair of the Confederation of Chinese Associations in Scotland, Secretary of the Tap Mun Overseas Community Association and a member of the campaign committee of Pitlochry Festival Theatre. He is also a former Chairman of PKAVS, a charity supporting unpaid carers, people recovering from mental illness and minority communities.
Andy said, “I’m delighted to have been selected for the by-election and it would be a huge privilege, alongside Councillor Audrey Coates, to represent everyone who lives here. I run my business here and am involved in local community groups so I understand the issues that matter to us. “Perth is a fantastic place to live and work. It’s at the heart of Scotland and we need to grab every opportunity to bring jobs and prosperity to the City”.
Andy Chan knows the pandemic has been one of the most worrying but it has also led to displays of outstanding community support and neighbourliness which has really shown the community in Perth at its best. Andy has been involved in the Perth Chinese Association Pandemic action plan and was delighted to see over 50,000 pieces of PPE provided to the community effort in Perth and Kinross, ensuring those who work with the most vulnerable members of our community had access to face masks.
Andy said, “With my business background I was also able to assist some minority community members in applying for furlough and business relief schemes, ensuring that they could benefit from the schemes which were put in place by the UK and Scottish Governments to support businesses through the pandemic. It has been fantastic to be part of community efforts to provide meals for some of our more elderly and vulnerable residents.” He added, “When our takeaway was closed along with the other shops in the parade, I worked with South Perth Community Partnership to arrange an Art competition to brighten up the area and thank keyworkers. This was well received and we have just given out vouchers and prizes to all the entrants and winners. Andy concluded, “All across Perth City South we’ve seen similar examples of community spirit and I would like to thank every single person who has worked with friends, neighbours and community to look after those who needed support.
“PRI is a precious resource within Perth City and we all know many people who have benefitted from the services offered there and the dedication of the staff. I am delighted to see Scottish Conservatives commit to re-establishing Scotland’s reputation in medical teaching and research, in better workplace support for doctors and nurses and a commitment to local services being delivered in hospitals like PRI. “I have had lots of conversations with residents who have been concerned at the loss of facilities in Perth in recent years and I will campaign with Audrey and Liz to protect our local healthcare provision and resist centralisation.”
If you would like to support Andy’s digital campaign, please contact him at
and follow him on Facebook: @andychan4perthcitysouth