Top Job for Simpson

East Kilbride West councillor Graham Simpson has been given a top job by new Conservative Party leader Ruth Davidson.

Within minutes of being elected on Friday she asked Cllr Simpson if he would be a joint campaign director for the local government elections next year.

He will work alongside MSP John Lamont in the role.

On Saturday, Ms Davidson joined Cllr Simpson and other Conservative councillors in Moffat, Dumfriesshire, her first official engagement as party leader.

Cllr Simpson, the chairman of the Scottish Conservative Councillors Association, said: "Ruth knows that councillors are vital to the future success of the party.

"I was stunned to be offered this new and exciting role and to be the first key appointment following her election. It's a job that I could not say no to and I am looking forward to getting stuck in."