User:BardOfBranchton/sandbox

Scott Bevan is a Scottish politician, and trained journalist, who is currently standing as the Scottish Green Party candidate for Paisley and as third on the West of Scotland list. He self describes as an eco-socialist and is a part of a new wave of urban, working-class left-wing candidates who have become more active within in the party of late. He currently serves as convenor of the Renfrewshire and Inverclyde Greens and is a member also of the 'Green Roots' slate for increasing grass roots participation within the party and championing local democracy.

Early Years
Growing up in Branchton, Greenock, Scott was no stranger to poverty. While the area has undergone several changes in recent years the Branchton and Greenock in which he grew up perfectly highlighted the post-industrial deprivation which informed his life-long push for a more egalitarian future.

Formerly a nightclub/wedding singer, Scott spent his teenage years as part of a popular local vocal group in the west of Scotland called 'Jackzone'. The group began as 5 and ended up with 4 members who performed regularly at venues around the country as a cover-band of primarily Motown and 1960s hits. After winning Inverclyde's Megastars competition the group quickly established themselves in local clubs and pubs. Noted for their harmonies and witty camaraderie on stage, the group soon became a mainstay of the social club scene. The quintet then became a quartet and went on to moderate success as a nightclub and wedding band throughout the country before eventually going their separate ways after a 6-year stint in the pubs, clubs, hotels and theatres around Scotland.

Political Life
Scott Bevan's first foray into the world of politics was as head of a 2,000 strong campaign to scrap the nightlife curfew in Inverclyde. The 'STRICT' campaign moved the curfew forward till midnight though Inverclyde council were unwilling to fully scrap the scheme. The campaign also inspired a similar one in Inverness, the only other council area in Scotland which operated a curfew.

Scott joined the Scottish Green Party in 2015 following the Scottish Independence Referendum and subsequent election of a U.K Tory majority. The threat of the Brexit vote inspired him to get party political for the first time. Four years later he established the Renfrewshire and Inverclyde branch of the party following the collapse of the Renfrewshire branch 2 years previous.

He was elected third on the West of Scotland list the same year and was confirmed as the Scottish Greens constituency candidate for Paisley on the 29th March 2021.

He is also a prominent member of his community council.

Education & Personal Life
Scott returned to formal education in 2016 prior to the birth of his son. He holds an honours degree in journalism from UWS and an HND from Glasgow Clyde College. He also holds an HNC in Creative Writing and Journalism from the former Reid Kerr College in Paisley.

Scott currently resides in Paisley where he lives with his partner Gillian and young son Rory.