'Smells like Teen Spirit' as SNP take Stirling East - and edge closer to control
The SNP claimed the contest as they took their tally of members to 10 - with their newest member one of the youngest representatives in the UK.
Rain poured down heavily at times on what was a roller-coaster day of weather in Stirling on Thursday.
But the SNP had a real sunny disposition at around 11.15pm in the Old Viewforth HQ as their history-making teenager Josh Fyvie gained the Stirling East seat on Stirling Council.
Victory could dramatically change the political landscape as his party battle to gain control of the authority.
The triumph took their total number of elected members to 10.
Josh studies Law at Stirling University and works for a third sector organisation who help disadvantaged children in sailing and water sport.
The newest member, set to turn 19 on Saturday, was elected at stage six, securing 808 votes, some 578 ahead of Yvonne Dickson (Labour) with Reform’s William Docherty third on 517 and the Tory candidate James Corbett a distant fourth on 147.
He is the youngest-elected representative in the UK and possibly Western Europe.
The jubilant victor, who is originally from Grangemouth, said: “This was a big win – our support has gone up. I kept telling myself if I didn’t win it didn’t matter, I was relaxed about it. I really enjoyed tonight.
“People have had their voice and the Labour Party can’t ignore us.
“I believe we will be looking to take power. On Friday I will sit down for at least five minutes and then get straight to work for the people.
“The First Minister said he would call me, my phone has not buzzed yet but we will wait and see what happens.”