Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley MSP, Elena Whitham has said she is grateful for the commitments made to improve East Ayrshire's coalfield communities.

The SNP representative was responding to a recent report, which revealed that Ayrshire's coalfields communities remain "particularly deprived".

READ MORE: Emotional memories shared of miners' strike in East Ayrshire - 40 years on

It found that 40 years after the miners’ strike began, many former coalfield communities still face a shortage of quality jobs.

Following Coalfields Regeneration Trust's (CRT) third report, 'The State of the Coalfields 2024', CRT bosses say that it is keen to build high skill, high wage jobs for people in places like Auchinleck and Dalmellington.

READ MORE: Commitments made to improve East Ayrshire's coalfield communities

Responding to this commitment, MSP Elena Whitham said: "The ambition of the Coalfields Regeneration Trust to improve our communities is commendable and I want to express my gratitude for their countless achievements over the decades of supporting community groups and projects in our area.

“I would of course welcome any suggestions to secure more high-paying jobs for Ayrshire.

“When Thatcher closed the coal mines she left communities like those in Ayrshire behind and we now face significant challenges.

"We must transition to the future with a vision to revitalise towns and villages across East Ayrshire and improve the lives of the people who live here.”