Big issues raised while candidate visits restaurant

Scottish Secretary Ian Murray paid a visit to a “Hamilton institution” with by-election candidate Davy Russell as they discussed hospitality industry issues with the founder of an award-winning local restaurant group.

- JUDITH TONNER

The Labour duo spent an afternoon at Carrigan’s Eating House, meeting founder John Carrigan and even trying their hand at pulling pints behind the bar.

Party leader Anas Sarwar has also been back in the Hamilton, Larkhall & Stonehouse constituency a further twice this week, meeting families taking part in sessions at the Machan Trust in Larkhall and then cheering on Mr Russell in a different sort of competition-as he took to the bowling green for a tournament hosted at Raploch.

Mr Murray told how the visit to Carrigan’s saw the trio discuss business and the restaurant group's community work, and said: "Without people like John we wouldn't have wonderful businesses like this - I used to be a publican myself so I know the real value of having these at the heart of the community.