New appointments to the positions of Provost and Depute Provost have been made by South Ayrshire Council in a review undertaken at a special meeting of the Council.

Councillor Winifred Sloan, councillor for Ayr Old Belmont ward, who has been a member of the Council since its creation in 1996, was appointed Provost, and Councillor Mary Kilpatrick, the elected member for Ayr Masonhill ward, was appointed Depute Provost.

The appointments followed a decision taken earlier in the meeting by the Council to include within its Standing Orders a specific procedure to allow for reviewing appointments to the two positions – and making replacement appointments.

Following this decision the members of the Labour group on the Council left the meeting and the nomination by Council Leader Gibson T. Macdonald that Councillor Sloan and Councillor Kilpatrick be appointed to the civic roles, was unanimously approved by the Council – all members of the Conservative group.

The new Provost and Depute Provost replace Councillor Gordon McKenzie and Councillor George Watson who had been appointed Provost and Depute Provost respectively, in May, 2003.

After taking over her new role, Provost Sloan said: “I am really looking forward to fulfilling the many civic duties which are incumbent on the role of Provost.

“I am aware of the vast range of responsibilities and activities with which I will be involved, and I would hope to undertake them all with dignity and pride. It is my wholehearted intention to do what I can to bring back, and develop, civic pride in the villages and towns throughout South Ayrshire, and particularly in the town of Ayr.”

Of her depute, Provost Sloan said: “I am delighted that my friend and colleague has been appointed Depute Provost, and I know that we will be able to work well together.”

Earlier in the day a legal action was raised at Ayr Sheriff Court in a bid to prevent the Council from dealing with the amendment to its standing order, or replacing the Provost and Depute Provost. However Sheriff Colin Miller, after a two and a half hour hearing, declined to grant the interdicts that had been requested.

Councillor Winifred Sloan

Councillor Mary Kilpatrick

January 2006