I would like to offer my heartfelt thanks to the many voters who placed their trust in me on Thursday.
While I’m disappointed not to have secured the constituency seat, I congratulate my successor, David Green, and wish him every success in representing Caithness, Sutherland & Ross in the Scottish Parliament.
I am, however, delighted to be returning as a regional MSP for the Highlands and Islands. I look forward to working closely with colleagues across the Parliament to deliver meaningful change for our constituents.
I’m eternally grateful to the many SNP activists whose hard work and dedication made this campaign possible, helping to secure a historic fifth term for our party and the largest pro-independence majority to date.
In the Highlands and Islands, Hannah Mary Goodlad secured a historic SNP win in Shetland, Emma Roddick was returned to represent Inverness & Nairn, Jenni Minto was re-elected in Argyll and Bute, and Laura Mitchell in Moray. I’m proud to be part of a strong group of SNP women representing the Highlands and Islands, and I look forward to working closely with colleagues to deliver for our communities.
I’m very sorry to see Alasdair Allan not returned to Parliament. He has been a dedicated and effective voice for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, and his contribution will be greatly missed. I will work hard to ensure that the people of Na h-Eileanan an Iar continue to have a strong voice, and that the issues facing island communities remain firmly on the agenda.
My commiserations also to Eilidh Munro -she would have been a tremendous asset to the Scottish Parliament, and I’m very sorry she won’t be joining us this time.
With fewer Gaelic voices now in this Parliament, I want to offer reassurance that I will build on the strong work of Kate Forbes and Alasdair Allan. Although I’m not fluent, Gaelic is my mother tongue, and I will always advocate for its place and representation.
The election results across the UK are significant. In the devolved nations, there is a clear and growing appetite for constitutional reform. That can’t be ignored, and I look forward to continuing to make the case — alongside my party — for Scotland to have a say over its own future.
I’m eager to get back to work this week and to addressing the issues raised with me on the doorstep, from concerns over health and social care to the rising cost of living. I know there is much more to do, and I am committed to listening to and standing up for the people of the Highlands and Islands.
Thank you!