As part of the build-up to next month's General Election the Chronicle is asking all the local candidates for their views on a variety of topics.

In this instalment Alan Brown, the SNP candidate in Kilmarnock and Loudoun, sets out his position, and his party's policies, on the environment.

Firstly, we must recognise the Scottish Government's leadership in addressing today's environmental challenges and urge the UK Government to follow suit. I've been advocating for this at Westminster.

Over the past decade, the Scottish Government has been responsible for more than 85 per cent of woodland tree planting in the UK. In contrast, the UK Government's efforts have been lacklustre and budget cuts to environmental initiatives also significantly affect Scotland.

The quality of rivers and bathing waters in England are disgraceful, largely due to the privatisation of water companies in England and Wales. Since privatisation, £78bn has been paid out in dividends instead of being reinvested in infrastructure.

Consequently, Scotland has lost out on around £8bn for environmental improvements. If Labour committed to nationalising water companies down south, it could mean a financial windfall for Scotland, but they refuse to do so.

Scottish Water remains publicly owned, and despite political opponents' claims, Scotland's water quality is far, far healthier.

We also need substantial investment in renewable energy to decarbonise our energy system and reduce bills.

I warned the UK Government their last energy auction would fail, and I was right — no offshore wind energy bids were made because the set price was too low.

We need ambitious deployment targets and more dedicated funding for tidal energy, where Scotland leads. Incentivising bids to use UK manufacturing can create jobs and reduce carbon footprints by avoiding imports from the Far East.

Improving the environment while creating jobs is a win-win.