North Ayrshire Councillor Nairn McDonald has been shortlisted for a major local government award.

The Kilwinning man, who has represented Irvine since last year, is up for the Resilience Champion Award at the 2023 Local Government Information Unit Scotland (LGUI) and CCLA annual Cllr Awards.

He is the only Ayrshire councillor in the running for one of this year's awards.

The organisers said: "Cllr Nairn MacDonald is a strong advocate for local third sector organisations and a passionate advocate for those who can't speak for themselves.

"Focused on changing attitudes and approaches to those who act as carers in the community and hospitality workers, Cllr MacDonald has been shortlisted as a Resilience Champion."

Councillor McDonald was elected as a Labour representative for the Irvine East Ward at the May 2022 election. 

He said: "To find out I was nominated for one of these prestigious awards by a member of the community was really surreal and I am deeply grateful that my work had inspired that person to nominate me.

"To be shortlisted, and be the only finalist from an Ayrshire Council, is really humbling and I am truly grateful for this amazing honour.

"Being a councillor is the privilege of a lifetime and something I am so proud to do, to serve my constituents as their local champion and to also serve as North Ayrshire's Carers Champion where my focus is improving the lives of our unpaid carers.

"I am working everyday to repay the trust the people of Irvine East placed in me and I hope I am doing them justice."

Competition for the award shortlist was extremely tight with more than 300 nominations received across five categories that celebrate the wide-ranging work of councillors.

The categories up for grabs this year also include Community Champion, Leader of the Year, Young Councillor of the Year and Lifetime Legend 

The winners will be announced at the City Chambers in Edinburgh on November 21.

The Cllr Awards judging panel is made up of senior councillors and leading stakeholders from across the sector. These are the only national awards to celebrate and showcase the work of individual councillors. This year’s awards are made possible thanks to the generous support of founding partners CCLA.

Jonathan Carr-West, chief executive of LGIU Scotland, said: "In the face of unprecedented domestic and global challenges over the last year, councillors nationwide have once again exhibited unwavering dedication to serving their constituents.

"The shortlist for the 2023 Cllr Awards represents some of the most devoted elected representatives in Scotland.

"As councils continue to deliver essential services like social care and housing amid a cost of living crisis, these awards are a hugely important way to champion what councillors do locally.

"Their work, all too often, goes unrecognised and we take great pride in featuring their stories in this year's shortlist.

"Congratulations to all the councillors nominated and shortlisted and I look forward to announcing the winners in November.”