CLYDEBANK SNP councillor Marie McNair has been elected as the new MSP for the Clydebank and Milngavie constituency.

Ms McNair comfortably saw off her Labour, Conservative, Lib Dem and independent challengers in the fight to succeed Gil Paterson, her SNP colleague, who retired this year after representing the seat since 2011.

The result was announced by returning officer Joyce White at Clydebank Leisure Centre at 1.51pm.

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 McNair said: "I am extremely honoured to be elected as the MSP for Clydebank and Milngavie and thank you for putting your trust in me.

"I will work extremely hard to the best of my ability and will be a strong voice locally and in the Scottish Parliament.

"It is a pleasure to take over from a former MSP and I appreciate everything that he has done for the constituency.

"I especially want to thank everyone that supported me in this campaign. It has resulted in a positive and energetic campaign during difficult times.

"It is very humbling and a great prize to be elected for this constituency and be the first female SNP in Clydebank and Milngavie. During the campaign I didn't want to be an MSP; I wanted to be their MSP.

"There is now a great deal to be done in our communities. Covid has robbed us of countless things. Many have experienced loss and suffering.

"Restrictions to protect us have impacted our physical health, education and financial wellbeing.

"I will put recovery first for everyone that wants to see us regrow."

The shares of the vote won by each party, with the comparison to their 2016 vote share in brackets, were as follows: SNP 47.2 (-2.0%), Labour 33.2 (+9.7%), Conservative 11.0 (-7.4%), Liberal Democrat 7.9% (-1.0%).