The Scottish National Party has confirmed its candidates for this May’s local elections – and they include a husband and wife.
Thirteen people from the party are standing for election in South Ayrshire’s eight wards, to which a total of 28 candidates will be selected.
A number of community council representatives from across South Ayrshire are seeking a step up into local authority positions.
Troon (Ward 1) community councillor, Annie McIndoe, is hoping to be elected alongside incumbent, Craig Mackay, who is seeking re-election.
Annie McIndoe said: “If elected I will continue to support local volunteer groups, businesses and the people of Troon. I ask that you please place your faith in me and vote for Annie McIndoe.”
And in Prestwick (Ward 2) Norrie Smith, chair of the Prestwick community council, is also seeking to represent the local authority alongside another SNP incumbent, Ian Cochrane.
Norrie said: “A vote for me is a vote for someone who will provide and drive solutions for Prestwick and I will be answerable to you.”
One of those who will not be standing for re-election is former council leader Douglas Campbell (Ayr North Ward 3). His colleague Laura Brennan-Whitefield, is hoping for a second term in office, and will be joined in the campaign by Mark Dixon, a Newton and Heathfield Community Council alumni.
Mark said: “The Communities in Ayr North deserve more than they get. Too long they have been the poor neighbourhoods of SAC. Whether road surfaces, lighting, litter. I shall strive for the whole term of office to make a positive change.”
Ayr East (Ward 4) will see Councillor Chris Cullen stand for re-election. Joining him will be Ian Douglas, who was a South Ayrshire councillor for ten years between 2007-2010.
Councillor Cullen, who works as a self-employed carpenter, said: "I have had the privilege of being an elected representative of Ayr East and South Ayrshire for the past five years. During this time I have forged many strong relationships with the different communities and groups within the area. Working together we have had many achievements and overcome hurdles for the benefit of the area.
"Since elected, I have been nominated and won a National award as Urban Community Champion. I hope to build on community collaboration and I am proud to contest the Ayr East Ward.
"A vote for me would ensure the continued improvement of the area."
Ian Douglas said: "I have contested the Old Belmont ward many times and finally got elected in 2007 after the boundary changes and formation of multi member wards. I served on South Ayrshire Council for ten years until 2017 when I joined the Community Council and shortly after joining was elected to chair.
"Active in the SNP all my life, awarded life membership and in 2021 awarded Activist of the year at conference.
In Ayr West (Ward 5), Siobhian Brown’s old patch, there are two SNP candidates standing for election.
A married couple will be contesting the seat together, Margaret and George Weir. Margaret, a teacher from the area, and husband George, a university lecturer, will be hoping to win two seats for the party.
George said: “I am honoured and delighted that we will stand together as Ayr West SNP candidates for the local council election in May 2022. We have lived together in Alloway for 17 years and are acquainted first-hand with local issues and local constraints.”
Margaret said: "As an additional support for learning teacher (now retired), I have taught in all three of the state schools in the ward.
"I have seen the detrimental effect of Tory austerity on struggling families and the impact this has had on children’s ability to learn.
"Education must come front and central in South Ayrshire’s recovery and the vulnerable protected from harm."
The Kyle ward (Ward 6) will see incumbent, Julie Dettbarn run again.
Maybole North Carrick & Coylton (Ward 7) will be contested by incumbent, William Grant.
And finally, current council leader, Peter Henderson, is the sole candidate for the party in Girvan and South Carrick (Ward 8).
Councillor Henderson said: "I will seek local input and involvement in ensuring that decisions and solutions are brought forward to meet our needs, by listening and responding to your voice.
"I believe in social justice, equality and fairness, I promise to continue to work hard and to the best of my ability both individually and as part of a strong SNP group to make the real difference required.
"We need to move forward not stagnate.
"I will be honest and not make promises I can not keep."
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