THE Scottish Green Party have announced their candidate for Kilwinning for next year’s council elections.

Yvonne McLellan has been announced for the Kilwinning Ward in the forthcoming elections in May 2017.

Commenting on her selection, Yvonne said: “The council elections are hugely important for Scottish Greens. Local democracy is at the heart of everything we do and will be working hard to get across the message that we’re not just about windmills and recycling. 

“We believe power should lie as close to those who are effected by decisions. I will be campaigning to give voters the choice of a candidate who will put power in the hands of local people. I want to be there to listen and act on behalf of local people, not just saying what I want to see.

"I believe the people of Kilwinning share my passion for creating a town where our families and young people, our elders and local businesses feel their contribution to our community is worthy, feel supported and can flourish.

“With the party growing so rapidly over the past two years The Scottish Greens now hold the balance of power within the Scottish Parliament and are hugely optimistic about the forthcoming elections.

"We are a truly collaborative party who will work with others on an issue by issue basis, not getting involved with the political tit for tat that has dominated our landscape for so long.”

Yvonne has brought various music events to the town, was the owner of Kilwinning’s first record shop and currently runs a music publishing and artist management company based within the town. 

She has been a long time activist in her spare time campaigning on various issues like protecting our local services from cuts to the reintroduction of play parks in the area.

Yvonne also spent time as the Co-convenor of the Ayrshire Branch of the Scottish Greens, Chair of the Blacklands Primary School Parent Council, was the founder of the Ayrshire Support for Refugees and was a lecturer at Ayrshire College.

She added: “I used to get angry and frustrated with certain decisions that were taken about our community where we were often left voiceless. 

“I realised that to help make any meaningful changes within the town, what better way to do it than to put myself forward for the council elections. It’s a difficult thing to put yourself forward for something like this but our local councils are hugely important in our every day lives and we need represented by people who live here who are going to put Kilwinning first.

"I’m passionate about Kilwinning and with living, working and raising a family here I believe I have the knowledge and skills to ensure that if elected, folks from Kilwinning will be more empowered.”