AN EX-POLICE officer is determined to make Cumnock better place to live by being a voice for the community.

Allan Dorans has set his sights on becoming MP by winning the seat back from the Conservatives through using his copper experience.

He is also passionate about achieving an independent Scotland and believes his skills in gaining the confidence of those in dispute to allow people to resolve their differences peacefully could help him do that.

Mr Dorans beat Corri Wilson for the chance to become the SNP’s Candidate for the role of Member of Parliament for the Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock Constituency in the next Westminster election.

He is a lifelong community volunteer and charity fundraiser having raised over £30,000 for Cancer Research by undertaking sponsored challenges.

This includes running the New York marathon, and trekking to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro as well as completing a 23 mile Kiltwalk to raise funds for Whiteley’s Retreat, an amazing local charity that provides much-needed holidays for children and their families living with cancer and other life-changing illnesses.

For the last 10 years he has also helped organise a Christmas dinner for about 70 elderly people who would otherwise have been on their own on Christmas Day.

Mr Dorans said: “I am a committed and long-time SNP activist and supporter of Scottish independence. I am currently in my third consecutive year as Convener of the SNP’s Ayr West Branch – a vibrant branch with an expanding and active membership. I have held various other roles within the SNP, perhaps the most importantly, currently, is as a candidate assessor, trusted with assessing potential candidates for local authority, Holyrood and Westminster elections.

“If elected to be your candidate for Westminster, I would be totally committed to serving you by honestly representing your views, working hard for the constituency and fighting for the causes that matter to you. Above all, I will make myself available to anyone who needs representation, advocacy, or help of any kind, irrespective of their background or circumstance.

“Finally, I believe that with my broad public appeal and credibility as a proven consensus builder, I am the candidate most able to unite and motivate local party activists, to reach beyond the SNP core supporters, secure the votes we need to win this seat back from the Tories, and help us gain independence for Scotland.”