Jeane Freeman MSP has sent a message to women in Cumnock and Doon Valley to mark International Women’s Day on March 8.

She said: “Women born in the 1950s, who paid into their state pension for years, have had their planned retirement age changed cruelly and without notice, leaving their plans in tatters.

"That’s why I’m proud to support the WASPI women – Women Against State Pension Inequality – in their fight to be treated fairly.

“The cruel decisions of the UK Conservative Government that pushed WASPI women into financial difficulties have been made as the Government pursues a programme of austerity, a programme which has not just harmed WASPI women, but also disabled women, women on low pay or on temporary contracts, unemployed women and women who care for children or other family members.

"Many women in Cumnock and Doon Valley are facing up real hardship as a result.

"So today and everyday we focus our attention and our efforts on the women in our communities and pledge to do more to support them and oppose the political decisions that are forcing more and more women into poverty.”