Siobhian Brown tonight pledged to be the "MSP for everybody" after claiming a stunning win in Ayr.
The South Ayrshire councillor turned the long-held Tory seat yellow with a dramatic victory over John Scott by just 170 votes.
And she immediately promised to head to Holyrood with the ambition of driving new investment to the constituency.
Ms Brown told Ayrshire Live: "I've been on the council since 2017 and have worked hard regardless of whether people voted for me or not.
"There will be people today who maybe aren't convinced by independence but know that I will work hard for them as their MSP.
"I will be the MSP for everybody – young and old – regardless of whether they voted for me or not.
"This is a seat we've been wanting for a long time.
"There's been a change in people's politics in that time, especially with the referendum and Brexit.
"Maybe people are starting to open their eyes and see there could be a different future as we emerge from the Covid pandemic.
"And maybe it would be better for us to make our own decisions."
Ms Brown, who managed to overturn the Tory majority of 750 from the 2016 vote, added: "We have a rocky road ahead and it will be challenging.
"Transforming our town centres, mental health issues, education – there are so many issues we need to bring with us and address.
"We cannot ignore them.
"But as an MSP in an administration government I hope to be able to bring investment to the area.
"There's such a huge range of issues that have been bubbling away and they have been brought to the surface by Covid.
"To tackle those properly, I will always believe we need full powers in our control as a country.
"That will always be my ultimate dream. I know we're not there yet but that's how I would like to see Scotland progressing."
Outgoing MSP Mr Scott said: "It has been an honour and a privilege to serve the people of Ayr, Prestwick and Troon for the last 20 years.
"Among my lasting memories are fighting the campaign to save the Accident & Emergency unit at Ayr Hospital some 14 years ago.
"I have had the sheer pleasure of representing the people of this contintuency, getting to know so many of them and regarding them as my friends.
"It's often said – perhaps lightly – but it has genuinely been an honour to represent almost 70,000 people and feel one has done a job of work for them.
"I wish Siobhian Brown every success in her endeavours."
Ayr Results...
Siobhian Brown (SNP) 18,881 (43.5%)
John Scott (Scottish Conservatives) 18,711 (43.1%)
Esther Clark (Scottish Labour) 4,766 (11%)
Jamie Ross (Scottish Liberal Democrats) 808 (1.9%)
Chic Brodie (Scotia Future) 267 (0.6%)
Majority: 170 Turnout: 68.4%
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