IRVINE councillor Ruth Maguire has been chosen to contest the Cunninghame South seat at next year’s Holyrood elections.

The SNP politician was chosen by fellow party members last Wednesday (August 26) ahead of Nighet Riaz and Helen Ross.

The Irvine West councillor will hope to retain the seat for her party which has been held by the outgoing Margaret Burgess MSP since 2011.

Speaking after her nomination success, Councillor Maguire said: "I am honoured to have been selected by Cunninghame South SNP as the party’s Scottish Parliamentary candidate for the 2016 election.

“I will do my very best for the members who have placed their trust in me to represent them.

“I am delighted to be selected and eager to begin the hard work campaigning for an SNP win in 2016.

“In Margaret Burgess, I have a hard act to follow, but I commit myself to do everything I can to win this constituency for the SNP next year."

Mrs Burgess, the current Cunninghame South MSP, pledged her support for Councillor Maguire.

She added: “I congratulate Ruth on her success on being selected as the SNP candidate for Cunninghame South constituency in 2016 and wish her every success.

“Local SNP members have made a superb choice - Ruth will lead a powerful campaign as the SNP fight to win in Cunninghame South and I intend to be active in support of Ruth’s campaign.”