Provost Ian Clarkson says he is honoured to be representing Veterans across North Ayrshire over the next five years.

Provost Clarkson was one of five cross-party Councillors chosen to be a ‘Champion’ following a meeting of Cabinet last month.

Councillor Jimmy Miller was confirmed as ‘Old People’s Champion, and, at the other end of the spectrum, the Council’s youngest elected member Cllr Shaun Macaulay will represent ‘Young People’.

Cllr John Sweeney will act as the ‘Mental Health Champion’ and Cllr Christina Larsen has accepted the position as ‘Carers Champion’.

It will be the Provost’s second term as ‘Veterans Champion’ and he admits they are a group of people extremely close to his heart.

He said: “I am hugely honoured tohave been named Veterans Champion and I will strive to do my very best for them over the next five years.

“I have a real interest in the Forces. My grandfather was killed in Arras and it was always a real source of family frustration that we couldn’t find out the full details of what happened to him.

“My grandson Blair has followed in his footsteps and is training with the Royal Navy and, as a whole family, we are extremely proud of him. I was at his passing-out parade and it was a great day for all of us. He is doing extremely well and based in Gosport.

“I’ve also been heavily involved with the local British Legion and also took pride in helping to get the First Point shop set up in the town centre.

“I hear it’s the second busiest Veterans shop in Scotland which is just fantastic.

“I will certainly represent all our Veterans with great passion and support over the next five years.”

The Provost recalls one of his early meetings with a Veteran and how, in his position as Champion, he was able to help him out.

Provost Clarkson added: “You meet some incredible and inspiring people as Provost and our Veterans are some of the most amazing people out there.

“That’s why I always try and do whatever I can to help them when they need it. When I’d just become Veterans Champion, we were looking to put up some Christmas Lights in Irvine. We were looking to get permission from people in the vicinity.

“I remember meeting one lovely chap who was visibly concerned. He’d been in Afghanistan, been injured in a blast and was scared of bright lights. We spoke and you couldn’t help but admire what he’d done. I managed to get him a new blind for his window as he was short of money at the time. He was delighted.

“It was a just a small thing but made a big difference. I can’t make promises but I’ll always try to help out as much as possible.”

The Champions were carefully chosen and each has a bond, empathy and provide another avenue for groups of people with particular issues that are perhaps unique to them.