Ayr MSP John Scott secured a fourth term on the night his party leapfrogged Labour to become the main opposition to the SNP government. 

Mr Scott, who joined the Scottish Parliament in a 2000 by-election, managed to increase both the number and percentage share of the vote. However, the SNP’s Jennifer Dunn did make up some ground on the 2011 result, around 700 votes shy of Mr Scott. 

The result means that Mr Scott is one of seven Conservative constituency MSPs, the remaining 24 being elected via the regional lists. 
Speaking at the election count at the Citadel centre, Mr Scott kept his message simple. 

“It is an amazing privilege to once again represent this famous constituency.

“It is an enormous honour and I pledge to endeavour, in every way possible, to serve my constituency as I have in past and will continue to do so in the future.”

Runner up Jennifer Dunn, of the SNP, was accepting in defeat, praises the other candidates. 

She said: “I would like to thank John, Brian and Robbie for their hard fought campaigns and congratulate John on his victory tonight 

“This seat was also going to be a tough one for the SNP. He has been a fantastic constituency MSP. I haven’t heard a bad word against him on doorsteps during the campaign.”