THE dad of First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has been selected to contest the Irvine West by-election.

Robin Sturgeon has been named as the SNP candidate for the vacant seat and is hoping to join wife Joan at Cunninghame House.

The by-election is due to be held on August 11 following Ruth Maguire’s election as Cunninghame South MSP.

Robin, who lives in Irvine, has been an influential figure behind the scenes within the Cunninghame South SNP group, representing the constituency at local and national events.

More recently he helped guide both Ms Maguire and Philippa Whitford to election success for the SNP.

Robin, who recently retired as a security systems engineer, has also been involved in playing a leading role in local SNP campaigns to oppose the Bedroom Tax.

His wife Joan, the current North Ayrshire Provost, was first elected as an Irvine East councillor in 2007.

Speaking after his selection, Robin said: “I am delighted to have been chosen as the SNP candidate to contest the Irvine West by-election.

“In Ruth Maguire, I have a hard act to follow but I will be doing my best to join the SNP at North Ayrshire Council in getting things done for Irvine and for North Ayrshire, whether the regeneration of the town centre or the return of council house building to the town.”