FORMER Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald local correspondent, Donald L Reid, has announced he is standing as an independent candidate for the Kilbirnie and Beith Ward.

Donald, who is a retired police superintendent, has lived in the Garnock Valley for over 45 years and said he wants to give the public more choice when it comes to polling day.

He said: “I was born in Dalmellington, but my police career initially brought me to the Garnock Valley 46 years ago.

“I met my wife, Kathleen, here, raised my son and daughter, delight in seeing my grandchildren grow up here.

“I have always immersed myself in multifarious activities for the greater good of the local community.

“I have decided to stand for election to Ward 7 (Kilbirnie/Beith) essentially to give the voting public more choice, rather than being restricted to a party candidate.”

Donald has now compiled 20 local history books since 1993, mainly about Ayrshire’s Doon and Garnock Valleys.

He also spent 15 years, between 2001 and 2016, as the local correspondent for the Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald.

In all that time, no matter whether he was on holiday or otherwise committed, he always produced two or three vibrant newspaper pages with photographs each week.

As a result, he got to know a huge number of groups and organisations and many folk in the local area.

Donald was also a leader of Beith Open Award Group for 16 years during which time he was delighted that 46 young folk worked diligently and earned the prestigious gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

Many more others achieved bronze and silver awards.

Donald also finds time to be a member of or mentor to several groups and organisations in the Beith area where he was Citizen of the Year in 1994.

He also helps locals with ‘various form filling and letters’ and assists with other aspects of concern.

He is an Ayrshire Regional Ambassador for the charity, Age Scotland.