A NEW councillor has told how she is relishing a steep learning curve as she combines her elected member duties with studying for a degree.

Kirsty Law of the SNP says she is looking forward to getting stuck in to her new role representing people in Port Glasgow.

Kirsty, 37, was born and bred in the town, and is determined to do her best for constituents in her Ward 2 patch.

The mum-of-two is currently studying history at the University of the Highlands & Islands, which has a distance learning centre in Dunoon, and is now going part-time to accommodate her new role at the Municipal Buildings.

She said: "I'm really overwhelmed and excited.

"I am looking forward to the challenge.

"It's a steep learning curve, but the council officers have been amazing and the induction was pretty smooth.

"We have a lot of talented people in the council."

Kirsty was brought up in Brown Street and her family later lived in Cardross Avenue, Ivybank Road and Dougliehill.

She is now living in Greenock but her family still stay in the Port.

The mature student says she knows there are challenges ahead for the town and she hopes to build on the good work that has already started.

She wants to build on the regeneration work that has already been carried out.

The new councillor told the Tele she is proud to be among the growing number of women elected to the council.

She said: "There is still a way to go but I think we are on the right path.

"We have a great strong team of women right across the council."

Chris Curley, 48, who represents neighbouring Ward 1, says he is looking forward to working with Kirsty but also paid tribute to former councillor Jim MacLeod, who lost his seat in the election.

He said: "It's a shame we don't have Jim here, he was a great political mentor to myself.

“I'd like to welcome Kirsty – there is a lot of crossover between Ward 1 and Ward 2 and we will hopefully work together addressing the challenges ahead.

"We have a great group of people across the council, with fresh blood like Kirsty combined with experience.

"We need to look at how we address the population issue and creating jobs."