SOUTH Ayrshire carers should have more help - according to MSP candidate John Scott.

The Scottish Conservative candidate said: "More than 660,000 people across Scotland act as unpaid carers – thousands of them here in South Ayrshire – and I believe it’s time action was taken to strengthen their rights.

“Research shows that nearly four out of every ten carers have not had time off from their caring responsibilities lasting longer than two days.

"It’s time that Scotland’s carers were given the break they need and deserve.

“That’s why I back an annual guarantee of a fully-funded week of respite for people caring for more than 50 hours a week.

“Although not every carer would choose to take this annual week’s break, every single carer assessed as being eligible should be guaranteed to be able to do so.

“And there’s more we can do because carers allowance is coming to the Scottish Parliament.

"I believe we should take that opportunity to give carers a pay rise, so that, they get the same as somebody on Jobseekers Allowance, a measure that would boost their income by an extra £600 a year.

“Carers are the unsung heroes of our society – of that there is no question.

"Without their dedication our public services would collapse under the weight of so many demands, and that’s why it’s so important we do more to give them the support they need.

“I believe an annual guarantee of a fully-funded week’s respite and raising the level of Carers Allowance are two practical ways this support could be given.

"If I am re-elected as the MSP for Ayr constituency, I will campaign strongly for those guarantees to be given.”