New office-bearers have been elected by the North Kincardine branch of the Scottish Liberal Democrats. Former Portlethen councillor Paul Melling is the chairman, Councillor Ian Mollison is the secretary, and Sheila Jamieson the treasurer.

The meeting in Portlethen Golf Club heard of plans for the European election in May, the referendum in September, and the UK General Election next year. Campaigning is being stepped up on all three fronts.

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie in a message to the local members said: “Local branches are the foundation stones of the Liberal Democrats, with our party’s emphasis on local campaigning. North Kincardine has a strong team with Liberal Democrats at every level of democracy – in Aberdeenshire Council, at the Scottish Parliament, and Westminster and in the European Parliament.

“2014 is shaping up to be a big year for Scotland. In May we have the European elections when we will be campaigning to return George Lyon MEP. In the summer we have the Commonwealth Games to look forward to. And on 18 September, the referendum.

“As we debate whether to keep Scotland in a strong United Kingdom or back independence we need to recognise the many things that Scotland has already achieved and think about what we can hope to accomplish in future.

“I firmly believe Scotland can achieve great things as part of the family of nations in the United Kingdom and I invite you to join with me in campaigning for a prosperous future for our country. This will be the most important year for our country since 1707. Liberal Democrats with their proud history of campaigning for Home Rule can help shape the future.”

On 28-30 March the party is holding its spring conference in Aberdeen at the AECC.