Thank you very much, Mr Deputy Speaker…….May I begin my maiden speech by saying that I am indeed honoured and humbled to be in this Chamber today, having been elected by the people of Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock? It is privilege, and I will always remember that they trusted me with their vote.

South Ayrshire Conservatives continued their bottle stall tour at the Prestwick Prom on Saturday 13th August.

With no Labour or SNP representation at the Prom, the Conservatives took centre stage and raised nearly £250.00 on the day. 

South Ayrshire Conservatives are holding open selections for the local government elections in 2017.

Home Secretary Theresa May is set to become the Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party following the Conservative Party leadership contest. Having received the backing of over half the parliamentary party along with thousands of members and supporters across the country, she will become the second female Prime Minister in our country's history. Following her election, Theresa May stated: "I am honoured and humbled to have been chosen by the Conservative Party to become its leader. I would like to pay tribute to the other candidates during the election campaign, and I would like to pay tribute to Andrea Leadsom for the dignity that she has shown today. During this campaign, my case has been based on three things. First, the need for strong, proven leadership to steer us through what will be difficult and uncertain economic and political times. The need of course to negotiate the best deal for Britain in leaving the EU and to forge a new role for ourselves in the world. Brexit means Brexit and we’re going to make a success of it. Second, we need to unite our country. And third, we need a strong, new, and positive vision for the future of our country. A vision of a country that works not for the privileged few but works for every one of us. Because we’re going to give people more control over their lives. That’s how together we will build a better Britain". 

Local Conservatives are mid-way through the annual tour of gala days across South Ayrshire. Thus far, stalls have been held at the Holy Fair in Ayr, Kirkmichael Gala Day, Maybole Gala Day and most recently the Ballantrae Gala Day. Record takings have been received at all stalls and there are still more to go! Over the coming months, local Conservatives will hold stalls at gala days in Prestwick and Troon and then a final stall at the annual Scottish Airshow event in September.

Local Conservatives celebrated following major gains across Scotland as a result of the 2016 Scottish Parliamentary Elections. Longstanding Ayr MSP John Scott was re-elected to serve the people of Ayr, Troon and Prestwick for a fourth term after a tough battle with the SNP. John saw his vote rise from 12,997 in 2011 to 16,183 giving him a majority of 750 votes. Meanwhile in neighbouring Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, candidate Lee Lyons almost doubled the Conservative vote from 2011, finishing with a very respectable 7,666 votes in a constituency that used to be a major mining hub. His vote share increased by nearly 10%, a figure that was near replicated across many of Scotland's 75 constituencies. (Photo credited to Euan McColl, Ayrshire Post Online, 06/05/2016.)

Scottish Conservative and Unionist leader Ruth Davidson today launched the party's manifesto for the Scottish Elections being held on May 5th. As Ruth noted at the meeting held in Glasgow this morning, the manifesto was a radical shift from past manifestos. As opposed to setting out a set of measures with the assumption that the party will enter Government, Ruth Davidson announced that in the short term, it was important that the party aim to become Scotland's official opposition. Alongside consistent campaign messages that the party will always back our United Kingdom, will oppose tax rises and also hold the SNP firmly to account, Ruth Davidson also announced a raft of policy messures that new Scottish Conservative MSP's will champion if elected.

Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party leader Ruth Davidson addressed an audience of 140 members, supporters and activists at the Mercure Hotel in Ayr on Saturday 2nd April to speak about why only the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party can be the most effective opposition to the SNP. Ruth also backed local candidates John Scott who is seeking re-election to serve the people of Ayr, Troon and Prestwick in the Scottish Parliament and also Lee Lyons who is running in the Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley Constituency. In her speech to members, Ruth highlighted the comments made by Labour leader Kezia Dugdale where she indicated that she "could vote for independence" in the future. Ruth stated that this shows Labour can't be trusted with the Union and as such will continue to be paltry opposition to the SNP.

South Ayrshire Conservatives held our Annual General Meeting at the Abbotsford Hotel in Ayr to update members over the activities of the year and to elect the next committee to continue the work that we do locally. Following the sad loss of our Honorary President, Lady Diana Younger, the meeting decided to nominate and adopt local resident and party stalwart Peter Gardner to the role, alongside our other serving Honorary President Rosemary Findlay MBE. Following the elections, Gavin Scott was formally re-elected as Chairman by the meeting, with Cllr Bill Grant and John Scott MSP continuing on as Deputy Chairmen; Finance and Political respectively. Christian Lamont was also readopted as Treasurer. Many of our ordinary members were re-elected and we also welcomed Louise Crosbie onto the committee.Both John Scott MSP and Cllr Bill Grant gave speeches updating the meeting about their work at Holyrood and on South Ayrshire Council respectively. 

Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley Conservative candidate Lee Lyons visited Dundonald on Saturday 6th February to talk to local residents about the upcoming Scottish elections. Lee received a very positive response on the doorsteps and many issues were raised by local people, particularlythe failure of the SNP in Government and the lack of opposition from Labour. Local residents were united in their feeling that they want a strong opposition to hold the SNP to account and prevent Scotland becoming a one party state. Lee Lyons and the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party are committed to being that strong Scottish alternative at Holyrood after May 5th.