A new MSP has been announced for the Mid Scotland and Fife region - which covers Stirling - after long-standing MSP Dean Lockhart stood down.
Former Perth and Kinross councillor Roz McCall will take her seat at Holyrood to replace Mr Lockhart after his departure from the role after six years to take up a business role working in net zero.
Mr Lockhart, who had been the convener of the Scottish Parliament’s Net Zero, Energy and Transport committee until the recess, had held the role as Mid Scotland and Fife MSP for six years.
He had also run twice for the Stirling Holyrood seat at Scottish Parliament elections in 2016 and 2021, coming second on both occasions.
Mr Lockhart said: “It has been an absolute privilege to represent the people and region of Mid Scotland and Fife over the past six years.
“Given the vital importance of addressing climate change and delivering on net zero targets, I have decided to accept an offer to join a business organisation that works together with governments, local authorities and third sector bodies, and that will help finance and deliver Net Zero targets across the UK.
“I would also like to express my sincere thanks to Douglas Ross for his outstanding leadership and support, and to wish him and all my colleagues all the very best for the future.”
Ms McCall will take up her new role with immediate effect and her arrival follows the regular procedure when a list MSP steps down where they are replaced by the next candidate on their party’s regional list.
She said: “I am delighted and honoured to join the Scottish Conservative MSPs in Holyrood.
“As an MSP I will work to reverse the erosion of local democracy, to hold the SNP government to account, and to provide alternative, new and imaginative, positive policies to benefit the people of Mid Scotland and Fife, and Scotland as a whole.”
Meanwhile, Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross, added: “I would like to thank Dean for his sterling work in the parliament, and wish him well in his new venture, where he will continue his work in tackling the challenges of climate change.
“I look forward to working with Roz, who will now continue her long-standing efforts to deliver real improvements in people’s daily lives from Holyrood.
“Like the rest of the Scottish Conservative group, she will work tirelessly to hold this SNP administration to account and focus on the real priorities of Scotland’s people.”
