A former world leader of the Orange Order has been selected by Scottish Labour to stand for election.
Henry Dunbar is aiming to become councillor on North Lanarkshire Council for the Airdrie North ward.
He was Scotland's most senior orange man from 2010 to 2016 as Grand Master, and the most senior in the world from 2015 to 2018 after being elected its Imperial President.
He would not be the first senior Orange Order member to be elected on the council - Councillor Ian McNeil currently serves the neighbouring ward of Airdrie South.
The Orange Order describes itself as the "oldest and biggest Protestant fraternity in Scotland" - but critics have accused the organisation of being anti-Catholic.
Dunbar, a retired salesman, told the Herald: "I do like the values of Labour and the leaders they have just now, Keir Starmer and Anas Sarwar.
"I think the Labour party is all about equality and fairness. That's sadly lacking in politics at the minute.
"Labour support the Union, and I personally support the Union because I think we're stronger in the Union."
He added: "The Orange Order as an institution doesn't really get involved in politics.
"They don't tell their members what to vote, and I certainly wouldn't suggest to the members that they vote for me. They take me on my merit.
"I believe I can do a good job for the constituents of the Airdrie North area."
A Scottish Labour spokesman said: "All of Scottish Labour's candidates have promised to reflect and uphold the party's aims and values as a tolerant, open and democratic party for the people of Scotland.
"Mr Dunbar will be held to the same high standard as all Labour candidates across Scotland."
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