Central Ayrshire's SNP candidate has said she's "proud" of the SNP's achievements in government.

Annie McIndoe, who is bidding to hold the seat for the Nationalists following the retiral of SNP MP Dr Philippa Whitford, spoke after the formal launch of the her party's general campaign at a rally in Glasgow on Sunday, where the First Minister addressed hundreds of activists, as well as candidates from across Scotland.

Mc McIndoe said: "I’m proud of what the SNP has done in Government, in particular the assistance we are providing people with the cost of living through free prescriptions, the abolition of university tuition fees and free bus travel for under-22s.

“In our NHS, Scotland has had the best performing core A&E units in the UK for nine years.

“On the economy, under the SNP, Scotland has had faster economic growth, per head, than the UK.

“On housing under the SNP Scotland has seen 40 per cent more affordable homes per head than in England, and over 70 per cent more than in Wales.

“And of course there is the game-changing Scottish Child Payment which has lifted so many children out of poverty."

Ms McIndoe added: “Westminster decision-making has meant austerity, Brexit and a cost of living crisis being imposed on Scotland.

“A combination of Westminster cuts and Brexit has reduced the money available for the NHS, other public services and housing. Brexit alone has wiped billions from the Scottish economy compared with EU membership. And it’s pushed up food and other household costs.

“The opportunity of higher living standards and a better funded NHS, with decisions about Scotland made in Scotland. That’s why I believe in independence."

"Born and brought up in Ayrshire I am genuinely passionate about our vibrant communities here and will be a strong voice in Westminster always putting Scotland’s interests first and that is why I’m asking people to vote for a future made in Scotland, for Scotland."

Health, education, housing and transport are all subjects devolved to the Scottish Parliament, and the area's next Westminster MP, whoever they are, won't directly have power over future legislation on devolved issues at Holyrood.