AN LGBT activist from Cumbernauld hopes to become and MSP at this year's Holyrood elections.

Liam Stevenson, a founding member of the Time For Inclusive Education (TIE) campaign will be seeking election to the Scottish Parliament through the regional list for Central Scotland.

The 37-year-old founded the TIE campaign with friend Jordan Daly following the independence referendum, and has been campaigning for LGBT issues to be taught in schools.

The pair hope this will help to tackle to issue of homophobic bullying across the country.

Mr Stevenson, who currently works as a driver, is standing for the new Scottish left-wing party RISE, which launched in August last year.

He said: "It’s very encouraging that RISE have passed at conference what are some of the most progressive motions in relation to LGBTI+ issues that Scotland has ever seen."“I am delighted to have been selected as a candidate for Central Scotland, and I look forward to working as part of what will be a diverse team that is very much focussed on equalities and representing minority groups."

"Throughout the past year, I’ve spent a lot of my time campaigning for LGBTI+ inclusive education, and having been so heavily involved in the community during this time - I know the serious impact that LGBTI-phobia can have.

"Scotland may be strong when it comes to LGBTI+ legislation, but there is still a lot to be done at a grassroots level.

"Over the next four months, I will ensure that the LGBTI+ community has a voice throughout this campaign, and that the issues facing them are heard."

Mr Stevenson described his SNP opponent Sophia Coyle as having "particularly regressive views" and said he felt it was important for LGBT community members to have an alternative option on the ballot paper.