INDEPENDENT candidate, Jamie McGeechan, for Ayr North has outlined his priorities for the town if he is elected in the local government elections.

The 31-year-old promises to be an independent representative for public views and concerns free from party politics, aims to protect front line services, develop opportunities and improve social conditions and housing. 

He wants to support and promote the work of local community groups, centres, activity groups and primary schools. 

If elected, Jamie says he will be about new events in the town as well as support the already existing assets, including Tam Fest ad Burns Fest, which he feels there needs to be more of.

In his manifesto he says, he will work tirelessly to encourage investment and regeneration of the town as well as be an open, available, hardworking councillor who lives in the area to protect the interests of the community.

Speaking to the Ayr Advertiser Series about his campaign, Jamie said: “I thought about standing four years ago but I did not think people would take me seriously.

“I am now 31 and there are many who think that more young people need to be elected as councillors. 

“I think there will be a move towards an independent councillor system who are not represented by a party.

“I think it is disingenuous for people to join a party just to get elected.

My gran was a councillor in Irvine and that certainly encouraged me. It is all about community engagement and helping people. I want to help protect front line services and their staff.

“There has been too much secrecy between the council and the community. If elected I would bring about more balance and involve them in the decision making process to know what is being done in their name.”

Ayr North includes Heathfield, Craigie, Dalmilling, Newton on Ayr and Lochside. 

Jamie continued: “My approach to becoming a councillor is to have less secrecy and to have better funding in community groups. I want more investment in Wallacetown and Lochside. We need to be more careful with money. 

“So far I the response has been great. I would imagine a lot of young people believe in themselves enough to vote in the elections.”