A Kilwinning councillor has been battling long Covid with elected members expected to approve further time off to recover.

Firefighter Scott Davidson hasn’t been able to attend council meetings since March 4 due to the illness. 

North Ayrshire councillors are due to vote next week at full council on allowing the SNP politician enough time off to recover.

If councillors don’t attend meetings for six months they automatically lose their position as an elected member. 

A council paper said: “In the case of Councillor Davidson, Covid-related illness has prevented him attending meetings since the council meeting on  March 4, 2021.

Scott Davidson, Stevenston bus route..

Scott Davidson, Stevenston bus route..

“The period of time likely to be needed for his recovery is such that Councillor Davidson’s absence risks exceeding the six months provided for in Standing Orders. In the circumstances, the council is asked to apply appropriate discretion to allow Councillor Davidson to remain as an elected member.”

Council officials recommend Councillor Davidson should be excused from council meetings due to the exceptional circumstances surrounding his absence. 

Thousands of people are estimated to have suffered from long-term health problems after contracting coronavirus in Scotland. 

Symptoms can include breathlessness, fatigue, chest pain or tightness, among others. 

A notice on Councillor Davidson’s Facebook page said: "Unfortunately due to ill health, Councillor Davidson is unavailable until further notice.

“Apologies for any inconvenience this may cause, he has intimated that all constituent queries he had currently been dealing with have been dealt with appropriately.”

Anyone needing support can email memberservices@north-ayrshire.gov.uk or telephone: 01294 310000.

The council paper added: “If Councillor Davidson were unable to attend a meeting on or prior to the full council on September 8, 2021, he would, at that point cease to be a Member of North Ayrshire Council. The Council does, however, have the power to approve the reason for non-attendance, which will permit Councillor Davidson to remain as an Elected Member beyond that date.”