Hi, I'm Neill...
ABOUT NEILL
Neill lives in the Holmhead area of Cumnock. He is the proud father of four children, and one Grandchild. After a dedicated 38 year career in retail management, Neill retired from the sector to focus fully on public service and his family when elected in May 2022.
He is a member of both Historic Scotland and the National Trust for Scotland. Neill enjoys walking, gardening, model trains and spending quality family time with his children during his downtime.
Community & Council Experience
After moving to Cumnock ten years ago, Neill quickly immersed himself in local issues, serving as an active member on Cumnock Community Council. On 5th May 2022, he was elected to East Ayrshire Council to represent the Cumnock and New Cumnock Ward.
Demonstrating strong leadership within local government, Neill was appointed Leader of the East Ayrshire Conservative Group in May 2025, stepping up from his previous role as Deputy Leader. He now operates as a full-time representative, dedicating his energy entirely to standing up for his constituents.
Key Achievements
Focusing on a solution-driven approach to local infrastructure and civic pride, Neill’s primary achievements include:
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Revitalising Local Infrastructure: Addressed long-running disruption at the Cumnock Bus Station by working closely with council officers and transport authorities to ensure critical repair and anti-vandalism work stayed on track.
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The Woodroad Park Vision: Spearheaded a comprehensive, long-term initiative to restore and enhance Woodroad Park back to a premier community hub. He successfully championed agreement for a feasibility study which incorporated sports courts, a hub, and a coffee shop. The formal council feasibility study in to an enhanced Woodroad Park has now been completed by the Council and Ayrshire360.
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Rail Connectivity Advocacy: Continues to be a key vocal supporter for the campaign to reopen a vital local passenger train station in Mauchline as well as a Rail Turnaround Point in New Cumnock to increase Rail Capacity and increase Train Services. He also supports better rural bus services and upgrades to the A76 between New Cumnock and Kilmarnock, as well as the upgrading of the Bellfield Interchange.
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Promoting Free Universal School Dinners: He was proud to support the cross-party introduction of Free School Dinners for all Primary School Children and half price Dinners for Secondary School Pupils. He also advocates expanding Universal Free School Dinners to S1 - S4 Pupils.
Core Policies & Commitments
As Conservative group leader, Neill champions a "Basics First" approach to local government, prioritising core services, environmental standards, and the protection of local autonomy:
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Defending Local Autonomy: Strongly opposes proposals to centralise local government by merging North, South, and East Ayrshire Councils, and advocating instead for keeping decision-making closer to local towns and districts.
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Opposing Regressive Charges: Firmly against the introduction of rural parking charges in towns like Stewarton, Galston, Mauchline, and Cumnock. He also actively campaigns against the garden bin permit scheme.
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Boosting Town Economies: Demands a comprehensive review of parking structures in major local centres like Kilmarnock to halt economic decline and support high street businesses.
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Environmental Maintenance: Pushes the SNP council administration to reverse the visible decline in public spaces, ensuring basic cleanups, grass cutting, and civic upkeep meet the standards taxpayers expect.
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Low Council Tax: He and the East Ayrshire Conservatives were the only ones who stood up for the Residents of East Ayrshire at the 2026 Budget Meeting, advocating a smaller rise of just 5%. “The Best Local Services, at the Lowest Possible Cost.”
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Council Housing: He believes in a large scale Council House building programme to help resolve the crisis in Social Housing and Homelessness across Scotland.
Career History
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Retail Management Career (38 Years): Neill entered the retail workforce at 16 as a Grocery Assistant for Safeway Foodstores. Over 22 years, he climbed the management ladder before moving on to manage stores for several other prominent retail brands. He retired from retail following his election to focus on council duties.
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Prior Civic Experience: Neill brings a wealth of political and community experience from his time in the West Midlands, where he served as a Conservative Councillor on Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council.
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Educational Advocacy: Throughout his time in Solihull, Neill also served as Chairman of School Governors for both a Nursery & Infant School and a Secondary School.
