SNP appoints Family in run-up to Scottish Parliamentary elections

Family has been appointed to handle advertising for the Scottish National Party in the run-up to the Scottish Parliamentary elections, despite it having past links with the Conservative Party.

Family was set up by former Yellow M Edinburgh staffers in June, following the collapse of the agency (MW June 13). The Yellow M network held the account for the Conservative Party at the last Scottish Parliamentary election, as well as during the 2001 general election.

Family managing director Ian Wright held the same title at Yellow M Edinburgh during the General Election campaign. In addition, Family creative directors David Isaac and Kevin Bird have both worked on the Conservative Party account.

Wright says: “SNP is fully aware of our history and it is not an issue. We have a huge amount of experience in the political arena.”

The SNP has used freelance teams in recent election campaigns and handled media in house. It is also searching for a media buying agency for the forthcoming campaign.

The party has a 100,000 marketing budget and has already unveiled a campaign slogan,”Release our potential”. The elections take place in May 2003.

The Scottish Labour Party has appointed the newly opened TBWA/Edinburgh agency to handle its campaign (MW September 12), while the Conservative Party has yet to appoint an agency.