Six candidates have been confirmed for the Arran by-election - with no SNP candidate standing.

Instead, Scottish Labour, Scottish Conservative and Unionists, Scottish Liberal Democrats, Scottish Greens, Reform and an independent will contest the seat on September 12.​

The North Ayrshire Council seat has become vacant following the recent resignation of Conservative Councillor Timothy Billings.

Following the nomination deadline on Monday, August 12, the candidates have now been confirmed. They are:

  • Charles Currie, Scottish Labour Party
  • James Andrew McMaster, Independent
  • Mackenzie Smith, Scottish Conservative and Unionist
  • Matt Taylor, Scottish Liberal Democrats
  • Carole Thomson, Reform UK
  • Neil Alexander Wilkinson, Scottish Greens

Voting gets under way at 7am on Thursday, September 12, and polling places will remain open until 10pm.

The count, which is carried out electronically, will be held the following day on Friday, September 13.

Those wishing to find out more about registering to vote – including obtaining a postal vote – can do so by contacting the Electoral Registration Office at http://www.ayrshire-vjb.gov.uk/

Residents have until midnight on Tuesday, August 27, to check they are registered to vote in the By-election.

The deadline to apply to vote by proxy or for postal applications is 5pm on Wednesday, August 28.

For advice on postal or proxy voting, contact the Electoral Registration Office by email ero@ayrshire-vjb.gov.uk or by phone (01292) 612221.

For those already registered, poll cards should start to arrive this week, while postal voting packs are expected to be issued from Friday, August 30.