THE SNP celebrated two by-election victories last night (Thursday) after successfully defending two Fife Council seats.

Ian Ferguson and Sharon Wilson are now the new councillors for Dunfermline North and Rosyth respectively.

Mr Ferguson received 1056 votes, followed by Joe Long (Lab) on 719. James Reekie (Con) received 304 votes, James Calder (Lib Dem) 230, Lewis Campbell (Green) 63, and Chloanne Dodds (UKIP) 58. The turnout was 24.06 per cent.

The Dunfermline North by-election was triggered after former SNP councillor David Mogg decided to retire from the local authority.

Mr Ferguson said, “I want to sincerely thank the people of Dunfermline North and for the confidence they've have shown in the SNP to represent them in Fife Council.

“There will be many challenges ahead but they have a strong voice on Fife Council and I am determined that I will will work with all parts of the community to take Dunfermline forward.”

Ms Wilson won the Rosyth seat with 1214 votes. Vikki Fairweather (Lab) received 926 votes, David Ross (Con) 245, Matthew Hall (Lib Dem) 97, Colin Mitchelson (UKIP) 88, Alastair Macintyre (Ind) 66, and Cairinne Macdonald (Green) 51. The turnout was 24.66 per cent.

The new councillor said, “Rosyth and North Queensferry are very dear to my heart and I have achieved a lot for the community over recent years.

“I know success only comes when people work together. That's the way I work and I want to prove to the people of Rosyth and North Queensferry that anything that has been achieved to date is only the start.

“There is much work to be done and I am ready to roll up my sleeves and get on with the job.”

Ms Wilson takes the place of the SNP's Douglas Chapman, who relinquished his council seat after being voted in as Dunfermline MP in May's general elections.

Speaking following the result, Mr Chapman commented, “Both Ian and Sharon have worked their socks off and have built great campaign teams around them, which will stand the SNP in good stead for the Scottish Parliament elections next May.

“The vote of of confidence the people of Dunfermline North and Rosyth have given the SNP in such a convincing way is testament to the way in which the SNP is the real voice of Scotland, whether that be at Westminster, Edinburgh or in Fife Council.

“No matter how Labour spin the figures, these are horrendous results for them in Fife tonight.”