The SNP have held a council seat in North Ayrshire at a by-election.

Grace McLean was elected in North Coast and Cumbraes, taking 2021 first preference votes, and succeeding her late husband Alex, whose death led to the by-election.

With a 37.5% overall turnout, she took 38.7% of the first preference votes, ahead of Independent candidate Drew Cochrane, retired editor of the Largs and Millport Weekly News, who received 22.8%.

The outcome means the SNP retains its position as the single largest party on the council, with 12 out of 30 seats, forming a minority administration.

The full result was:

Grace McLean (SNP) 2021

Drew Cochrane (Ind) 1190

Toni Dawson (Con) 1125

Valerie Reid (Lab) 691

Meilan Henderson (Ukip) 192.