An Ayrshire politician has been appointed to a top position within her party just months after being elected to office.
Sharon Dowey, who represents the South Scotland region at Holyrood, is the new Shadow Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development for the Scottish Conservatives.
Mrs Dowey, of Ayr, was elected through the parliamentary list system at May's elections.
Her promotion to the role as her party’s spokesperson was confirmed on Monday night, taking effect immediately.
Mrs Dowey's new portfolio covers areas like major events, the creative industries, fair trade, architecture, European and external relations and themed years like Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022.
She said: “It's a real honour to be appointed Shadow Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development.
"I’m really looking forward to engaging with cultural bodies across Scotland as well as right here in Ayrshire and I’ll be doing all I can to promote our huge wealth of home grown talent as well as highlighting Scotland’s important role overseas.
“Scotland has made some huge contributions to global culture, whether it's Henry Raeburn, Rabbie Burns, Irvine Welsh or the Fratellis.
"It's vitally important that the next generation of talent have the tools to succeed in Scotland, particularly in light of COVID-19, and I'll be pushing the Scottish Government to ensure Scotland's cultural sector receives the support it both needs and deserves."
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