Born in the old Rottenrow hospital, where his Mum had worked as a midwife before becoming a primary teacher in Rosebank, Alan was brought up in Harestanes, attending local schools and churches, and joining the 45th Cub Scouts and the Kirky Players as a boy, participating in plays and pantos.
After working as a YTS bookkeeper in a retreat centre, volunteering in a hospice and some time in a Franciscan friary, he started his lifelong academic career at St Andrews University then his love of languages led him abroad to teach English in Mexico, the Mediterranean and Brazil, and to run English summer schools around the UK.
Returning home to care for his elderly father, Alan started to write and publish both fiction and non-fiction, then completed his teacher training and Ph.D. in Education, and has subsequently taught at Glasgow University.
In 2022, Alan stood for Freedom Alliance in this ward, then twice in Kintyre but, with Holyrood 2026 approaching, Alan felt he needed to stand for a Scottish party and joined Sovereignty, for which he currently serves as the Convener of the Glasgow Branch.
A Message from Alan
“With Holyrood 2026 just around the corner, it’s important to have commonsense councillors prepared to implement any sensible policy from Scottish and UK Government. Unfortunately, foolishness has been the fashion for our elected representatives in recent years.
“Broken glass, broken promises, potholes and party politicking characterise East Dunbartonshire, with small shops and other businesses struggling, kids not safe in school, women not safe anywhere and the Council house waiting list even longer than the wait for a winter fuel payment.
“The people of Kirkintilloch E&N and Twechar deserve better. Let me be your voice! Vote for Alan McManus, standing for Sovereignty, on Thursday 13th February 2025 and please support my campaign financially.
“If you can help leaflet or canvass, contact me: EDWard7Sovereignty@proton.me.”