By Stuart Wilson

Copyright dailyrecord

Three independent candidates have entered the race for the Ayr North by-election. David Petrie and Orhan Bulijk join businessman Willie Hogg in going to the ballot box on October 16. Ian Douglas will bid to make a return to local politics when standing on the SNP ticket, while experienced activist John Duncan will attempt to win the seat for Labour. David Paterson (Conservative), Graham Mason (Lib Dem) and Andrew Russell (Reform) make up the runners and riders. The by-election is being held following the death of independent councillor Mark Dixon, who passed away in July.