Clydebank’s new MSP has vowed to put the pandemic recovery as her first priority ahead of being sworn in on Thursday.

Marie McNair retained the Clydebank and Milngavie seat for the SNP with the largest number of votes for any candidate since the constituency was created in 1999.

The Clydebank Waterfront councillor is also the first woman elected to represent the area and was emotional in her victory speech at the Clydebank Leisure Centre count on Friday.

Speaking yesterday, Ms McNair told the Post: “It is humbling to be elected as our MSP and I thank the electorate for putting their trust in me. It is a huge honour to represent the place I grew up in and to be the first woman to be elected as our MSP.

“It is pleasing to have secured 1,629 more votes for my party than we did 2016 but I will work hard for everyone, no matter how they voted.

“I campaigned in every part of our constituency and had a positive engagement on our doorsteps with many constituents. I will continue this approach as our MSP and meet my promise of being accessible and focussed on doing my best for our area. 

“There is now a great deal to be done for our constituency and Scotland.

“I will put Covid-19 recovery first and work to make sure that we secure the best way forward for Clydebank.”

She added: “I will also vision beyond Covid-19 for our constituency and go to work on the priorities of more affordable housing, getting health and education back on track, tackling child poverty, retaining and investing in much needed jobs and a sustainable regeneration of our riverside.

“I will be a strong voice locally and in the Scottish Parliament for Clydebank.”

Ms McNair took 17,787 votes, more than 5,000 ahead of Labour’s Douglas McAllister on 12,513.

Pam Gosal was third for the Conservatives with 4,153, while independent Alexander Robertson polled 220.

Ms Gosal will also be an MSP, elected from the West Scotland list. Five years ago, Clydebank’s Tory candidate, Maurice Golden. also became an MSP from the list vote. This time, he was re-elected but on the North-East Scotland list.

In her speech on Friday, Ms McNair said: “It is very humbling and a great privilege to be elected for this constituency. During the campaign I didn’t want to be an MSP; I wanted to be their MSP.”