AN Irvine woman has been named student Vice President for Ayrshire College for 2016.

Lainey McKinlay will join new Student President Holly Bates as the pair look to continue the outstanding work of the Ayrshire College Student Association.

The Ayrshire College Student Association supports students through their college journey and was named FE Students’ Association of the Year at the College Development Network awards this April.

The Student Association is also the driving force behind the ‘#ThisAyrshireGirlCan’ campaign at Ayrshire College, which encourages young women in Ayrshire to think about choosing subjects where female participation is traditionally low.

Holly, a former Working with Communities student, was Student Vice President throughout 2015/16 and replaces Angela Alexander, who has moved into the position of Women’s Officer at NUS Scotland - in the Student President role for the year ahead.

Holly commented: “Last year I had the opportunity to improve the student experience in many ways, 

“And becoming Student President allows me to carry on where I left off.

“I will continue to strive for students’ achievements and look forward to assisting the new intake of students on their Ayrshire College journey.

“The Student Association aims to engage with as many students as possible, whether that’s through one-to-one meetings, classroom drop-ins or events.

“We have an exciting year ahead of us.”

Lainey is also a former Working with Communities student at the College and a former member of the Ayrshire College Student Association’s executive team.

She explained: “I decided to run for the position of Student Vice President because my two years at Ayrshire College as a student have been life changing for me.

“I have been given experiences that I never thought possible and my aim is to ensure that every other student has the same opportunities that I have been fortunate enough to receive.

“The Student Association is a main point of contact for students. 

“We want to enhance the college experience and create lifelong memories for students – starting as soon as they arrive in September for Fresher’s Week.

“Together we can have a fun and successful year!”

The Student Association team’s time will be split between the three main campuses of Ayrshire College in Ayr, Kilmarnock and Kilwinning.

For more information on how the Ayrshire College Student Association can assist you, contact holly.bates@ayrshire.ac.uk or elaine.mckinlay@ayrshire.ac.uk.