AN EAST AYRSHIRE councillor is representing Scotland to tackle violence against women.

Councillor Jim McMahon, currently Cabinet Spokesperson for Older People and Community Safety, has now also become an Ambassador of White Ribbon Scotland.

He plans to use his new role to raise awareness of equality and ending violence against women.

The White Ribbon campaign, which began in Canada in 1991, was established in Scotland in 2010.

It encourages men to sign a pledge saying they will ‘never commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women in all its forms’.

White Ribbon Scotland has recruited and trained over 250 volunteer speakers to spread messages in respect of the need for men to speak up, the impact of peer pressure and gender stereotyping, the importance of gender equality and the need for role models and active bystanders.

Councillor McMahon said: “I am delighted to be an ambassador for White Ribbon Scotland and I look forward to using this important role to raise awareness of the White Ribbon campaign and its goals of equality and ending violence against women. I want to encourage others to take part in the campaign and to sign the pledge in the hope that this will lead to a change in the attitudes and behaviour of men in Scotland; a change which will ultimately contribute to the elimination of violence against women.”