Politics

The challenger for 2026 believes the seat is competitive ‘because my opponent is very much part of the problem’.

Leader Alex Cole-Hamilton says ‘People in the Highlands know we are best placed to beat the SNP’.

Leader Alex Cole-Hamilton says ‘People in the Highlands know we are best placed to beat the SNP’.

But the stats draw a blank on assaults of teachers or pupils and drugs or weapons.

He is member for Fort William and Ardnamurchan and currently MP Angus MacDonald’s chief of staff

Analysis reveals an 18% drop in care homes over 10 years while the over-75 population rose by almost 72%

‘I’m not an angel I’m just a woman and any time we make mistakes as a politician we are hung, drawn and quartered by social media.’

Michael Gregson says ‘the people are just not feeling the love, and this excessive pay rise to ourselves certainly won’t change that perception’.

The move follows recommendations by the Scottish Local Authorities Remuneration Committee.

He confirms that ‘with great sadness’ he is to stand down as SNP MSP at the 2026 Holyrood election but may yet stand as an independent.

The Inverness and Nairn MSP leaves door open to run as an independent but says he ‘simply cannot defend the record of the SNP Government’.

Could an energy bill rebate for Highland residents be a step closer? That’s the hope of a local MP after a meeting with a UK government minister.

A Highland MSP condemned the “dangerous” rhetoric around disability payments during a Holyrood debate on planned UK welfare cuts.

Feedback over the region’s new 20mph limits is now being examined by Highland Council ahead of a vote which could make them permanent this spring.

Opposition plans for education reforms, free primary school meals and lower hikes in council tax were rejected.

Highland MPs have welcomed a decision not to change the definition of English single malt whisky after a heated debate on its impact on Scotch.

More than 19,000 responses were received over proposals to cut the speed limit from 60mph to 50mph - the biggest response to Transport Scotland ever.

Details of what specifically was proposed were scant while the Greens ‘hail influence’ on securing £500k investment.

But senior Highland Council official Malcolm Macleod insists the local authority’s ears are open on thorny questions like VAT.

The Liberal Democrats want to place an emphasis on attainment in schools amid flagging results for north youngsters.