A FORMER goalkeeper will stand for the Tories in the seat being defended by the SNP’s Philippa Whitford.

Derek Stillie, who played for teams including Aberdeen, Dunfermline Athletic and Dundee United, will be the party’s nominee for the Central Ayrshire constituency.

Former Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson tweeted: “As a @officialdafc fan, I am absolutely DELIGHTED that Derek Stillie has signed on as a candidate for @ScotTories. #SafePairofHands.”

After hanging up his gloves, the 45-year-old pursued a career in English law.

The Scottish Conservatives already have a representative with a footballing connection in Douglas Ross, the incumbent for Moray since 2017 and an assistant referee who has officiated on Scottish Premiership and Champions League matches.