Cllr Neill Watts is the Leader of the Conservative Group on East Ayrshire Council.
When I was first elected to East Ayrshire Council in May 2022, I promised to bring a practical, solution-driven approach to local government. Drawing from my 38-year career in retail management, I chose to retire from retail to focus entirely on being a full-time representative. In Scotland, local councillors serve a five-year term. In May 2025, I was deeply honoured to be appointed Leader of the East Ayrshire Conservative Group. As I mark four years of dedicated public service, and look ahead to the Scottish Local Elections at the end of this five-year cycle in May 2027, I want to share what I have achieved and outline my vision for the community’s future.
My tenure has been defined by a relentless focus on “bread-and-butter” local issues: protecting essential infrastructure, enhancing public spaces, and challenging administrative waste.
Here are some of the things I have delivered:
While I am proud of the progress that has been made over the last four years, I view these achievements as the foundation for a much broader, long-term agenda. Moving forward, my focus is trained on connectivity, economic growth, and preserving our community spirit.
A cornerstone of my future vision is the Local and Rural Transport infrastructure. Working with and pushing the SPT, Network Rail and Scotrail to reverse the 1965 Beeching cuts by reopening a passenger railway station in Mauchline and creating a ‘New’ Rail Turnaround Point in New Cumnock. This will allow for an hourly train service for the southern areas of East Ayrshire. Establishing robust rail infrastructure will reduce road congestion, improve environmental safety, and provide vital public transport links to the rest of Scotland. Crucially, this connectivity will make it significantly easier for visitors to access the area, boosting tourism and providing a major lift to our local economy. Delivering the Woodroad Park Upgrades With the initial feasibility studies concluded, my immediate hope is to see the council and Ayrshire360 transition from planning to execution at Woodroad Park. I intend to closely monitor the proposals to ensure the final enhancements reflect the community’s desires for modern, accessible outdoor spaces.
In an environment of tightening local government budgets, my desire is to shield local families from excessive taxation. I remain committed to challenging the council to eliminate administrative waste, ensuring that every penny of taxpayer money is directed toward frontline public services like pothole repairs, street cleaning, and community safety. Nurturing a Vibrant Community Space From Ochiltree and Netherthird to the heart of Cumnock and New Cumnock, our ward boasts a rich network of community groups, youth musical theatres, and volunteer organisations. I want to expand my hands-on support for these groups, ensuring they receive the funding and council cooperation necessary to thrive.
My first four years of this five-year term on East Ayrshire Council have proven that leadership translates directly into effective civic action. By combining a strong opposition stance with constructive community projects, I have worked hard to be a visible, reliable voice for the residents of the Cumnock and New Cumnock Ward as well as the wider East Ayrshire area. With our major transport campaigns underway, park transformations on the horizon, and an unwavering commitment to keeping living costs down, I will continue to put the people of Cumnock and New Cumnock first. My message remains clear: I will continue to work tirelessly to build a safer, better-connected, and more prosperous community for everyone in my area.