The First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon, today made a visit back to her hometown to throw her support behind her father's Irvine-West by-election bid.

She spoke of her pride at taking part in the campaign. She said: “I’m delighted to be campaigning in Irvine to elect a strong, local SNP voice to stand up for the area – but I’m even more delighted to be campaigning on behalf of my dad, who I know will work tirelessly to represent the people of Irvine West. 

"All my life my dad has inspired me with his passion for the political principles I hold dear – and I’m so proud to see him put himself forward to represent the area that he’s always been proud to call home.

“As someone who comes from Irvine, I know the many challenges and opportunities the area faces – and I know that in Robin Sturgeon, local people will have a councillor they can trust to work hard, stand up for their interests and to build on the progress the SNP has made locally in recent years.”