The Tories pipped Reform in a close local by-election contest.
Reform UK have failed to win their first ever election in Scotland after falling short in a keenly-fought contest in Stranraer.
John Roberts had been tipped to beat the Tories to take a place on Dumfries and Galloway council.
Despite Reform winning most first preferences, the Conservative candidate Julie Currie was elected at stage 7 of the ballot.
The by-election in the Stranraer and the Rhins ward was held after the resignation of Willie Scobie.
Opinion polls show Reform in line to win over 20 MSPs at the next Holyrood election.
Scottish Tory leader Russell Findlay said: “This is an impressive by-election win for the Scottish Conservatives and my congratulations go to Julie Currie as our party’s newest councillor.
“I campaigned with Julie, and I know she will be a fantastic representative and a strong voice for Stranraer and the Rhins on Dumfries and Galloway Council.
“Voters in the area are sick of rising bills under Scotland’s two left-wing governments. They are paying more than ever in tax and getting less for it. People are scunnered by the SNP’s abject failure to improve local healthcare or upgrade the A75 and A77.”
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