Writs formally calling for the holding of elections for the Parliamentary Constituencies of Central Ayrshire and also Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock have been received by Returning Officer Tom Cairns, the Chief Executive of South Ayrshire Council.

The writs – including formal greeting from Her Majesty, the Queen – were delivered by Royal Mail special delivery to the Council’s County Buildings headquarters.

The Returning Officer was on hand to personally receive the documents from special delivery man John Stuart.

Afterwards, Tom Cairns said: “While obviously the initial preparations for the election on May 5 are now well under way, the receipt of the two writs now formalises the situation.

“It is a case of ‘full steam ahead’ for the preparation of all that is required to ensure that the elections in the two constituencies that I am responsible for go smoothly.

“There is obviously a considerable amount of work to be done to ensure that appropriately trained staff are in place to undertake the variety of duties that are my responsibility as Returning Officer, and that all the material and logistical requirements are fully met.

“After 4 pm on Tuesday, April 19, full details of polling arrangements will be publicised, along with details of candidates for the elections in the two separate constituencies.”

The election will take place on May 5, with the count for each Constituency taking place at the Citadel Leisure Centre, Ayr.

Royal Mail special delivery man John Stuart hands over the two writs to Returning Officer Tom Cairns on the steps of the headquarters of South Ayrshire Council.

April 2005