The SNP has taken control of Stirling Council following a special meeting of council on Monday.

The new administration marks the first time since 2008 that all three local authorities in Forth Valley have been run by the SNP – and the first time all three have been led by women.

Lord provost Elaine Watterson stepped down from her role followed by Neil Benny departing as depute provost.

SNP councillor Rosemary Fraser took up the role of Stirling’s new Lord Provost, with councillor Jim Thomson taking up the role of depute leader.

The SNP won a succession of votes to head up various committees, with Susan McGill elected council leader, and Willie Ferguson elected housing committee chair.

The changes come after 18-year-old SNP candidate Josh Fyvie became one of the youngest elected repres

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