CONSERVATIVE representative Alexander Stewart has vowed to focus on the recovery from coronavirus, having been re-elected as a Mid Scotland and Fife representative.

Mr Stewart, who achieved second place in the Clackmannanshire and Dunblane constituency with 25.6 per cents of votes, was re-elected on the regional list for a second term.

He improved on his third place constituency result from 2016, when he took 23.2 per cent of the ballots cast.

The representative, who was "absolutely delighted and phenomenally proud" after the weekend, paid tribute to his campaign team and volunteers and sent his "heartfelt gratitude" to all supporters.

He told the Advertiser: "We have so much to do in this next five years for the benefit of our country's entire recovery and as we look beyond the health crisis, thanks to the success of the vaccination scheme across Scotland as a result of our being part of the United Kingdom, we are facing a looming economic crisis unless urgent measures are put in place.

"All of our focus should be on kick-starting the Wee County's economic, educational and business recovery immediately as restrictions ease."

In particular, he is keen to see his party's plans to recruit 3,000 additional teachers across Scotland become a reality along with a national tutoring programme to ensure deprived students can catch up on learning lost to lockdown.

He added: "As businesses recover, I also want to see the delivery of our unlimited apprenticeships plan for Scotland's young people.

"Our demand-led model for apprenticeships would ensure that funded places reflect employer need rather than unambitious SNP targets."

Mr Stewart also campaigned for a "fair funding deal" for local authorities, so that they receive a set proportion of the government's budget each year and is keen to press that agenda in the coming years.

Speaking of the next five years, he said: "During this forthcoming term, I will be laser-focused on playing my part in the rebuilding of our communities and businesses from this pandemic, as well as ensuring that our local services are fairly-funded, as this is the now the time for consolidation, not constitution."