A POPULAR crime writer is endorsing an Independent candidate at next month’s council elections.

Caro Ramsay is backing Councillor Andy Doig, who is standing in the Johnstone North, Kilbarchan, Howwood and Lochwinnoch ward.

Ms Ramsay, who is based in Elderslie, has known the former SNP man for 10 years as a fellow members of the Johnstone Writers Group.

She said: “I am proud to endorse Andy as a strong Independent voice who wishes to put people first before party politics, which we desperately need.

“Andy is a man of integrity and decency who has always treated people with respect, regardless of their colour, creed, gender or sexuality, and will stand up for his constituents.”

Meanwhile, Cllr Doig has heaped praise on the writer as “an outstanding ambassador” for Scottish fictional literature.

He said: “Caro is an internationally-known author who writes in the very popular tartan noir genre and, in particular, she is expert in the police procedural elements of that genre.

“I am delighted to get the endorsement of someone who is a great credit to both Renfrewshire and Scotland and who is a cultural icon for young aspiring writers.

“Caro’s resounding endorsement will, I am sure, resonate with my constituents, who know I have a record of action with a promise of more.”