A LARGS businesswoman is standing as Conservative candidate in the forthcoming North Ayrshire Council by-election.

Toni Dawson of the Sugar and Spice store, and The Bean And Leaf restaurant is the surprise choice to contest the vacancy resulting from the death of SNP Councillor Alex McLean.

Ayr born Ms Dawson grew up in Saltcoats gaining first-hand experience of what it was like to be self-employed in a family business.

With experience in catering, she was offered the summer lease for the ice cream kiosk operating out of the seafront complex in Largs, now known as Escape/Lanes, in 2000. The shop opposite became available and she now owns and has operated Sugar & Spice in Main Street for 14 years.

Keen to develop the family business, she took over the former tourist information centre adjacent to the promenade, and invited her brother Maxwell and his wife to jointly set up and operate ‘The Bean and Leaf Cafe & Restaurant.’ She has also successfully bid for the leases on both Barrfields and Mackerston putting greens, and owns a small portfolio of both commercial and residential properties around Ayrshire.

Ms Dawson, 47, is Vice-Chair of the Business Improvement District (BID), contributing towards creating a brand identity for Largs (Explore Largs) and marketing strategy for local events and festivals.

She is a keen fitness enthusiast and can often be seen running along the promenade and around Kelburn Estate and Fairlie prior to the start of her business day.

She said: “I started business in Largs with very little other than a commitment to being here long-term, coupled with a strong work ethic. In January 2013, I spent some time reflecting on how good the people of Largs and its visitors have been to me, and I decided I wanted to give back and contribute somehow.

The invitation to join the Board of Directors as Vice-Chair of the BID came shortly thereafter, and now there’s this opportunity to stand for election to North Ayrshire Council.

“These are interesting times for all of us and I believe the role of councillor aligns well with my desire to be more involved in local issues; both for the residents and the prosperity of local businesses, and I hope the people of Fairlie, Cumbrae, Skelmorlie and Largs will vote for me on this basis.” Current Conservative North Coast and Cumbraes Councillor, Tom Marshall, said: “I welcome the choice of Toni as the Conservative candidate in the forthcoming by election.

"A resident of the town, as well as a business owner, she is well aware of the issues that are important to maintaining the vibrancy of Largs as a place to stay, work and visit. As a fellow director on the BIDS I am aware of her ability to ably contribute to the future plans for the town.

“Once elected she will be able to work alongside me in ensuring that North Ayrshire Council continues to invest in Largs, and ensure that the services it provides are top class. There is also the not so small matter of a win for the Conservatives ensuring that the SNP lose their position as the major party on the council.“ Former councillor Richard Wilkinson who is chairman of North Ayrshire Conservative and Unionist Association commented: “We are delighted that Toni will be our candidate and will be putting all our effort into helping her to win the seat.”