Kate Forbes' special message for Strathy readers
Kate Forbes will have more time to focus on constituency matters after deciding to return to the bankbenches at Holyrood.
The Badenoch MSP lost out narrowly on Monday by 52 to 48 per cent to Humza Yousaf in the second round of votes to become SNP party leader and First Minister.
Ms Forbes was offered the rural affairs job by Mr Yousaf in his new cabinet but turned down what would have been a significant demotion
It means the local MSP, who served as finance secretary under Nicola Sturgeon’s administration, will leave the frontline of politics.
Following her narrow loss, Ms Forbes sent a special message to Strathy readers.
She said: "First and foremost a huge thank you to everyone who has supported me from across Badenoch and Strathspey.
"Though of course this was a contest settled by the SNP membership, I was bowled over by the number of well-wishers from within and outside the party.
"Just as I have always tried to represent all of my constituency to the best of my abilities, so too my campaign was based on representing the people’s priorities. I hope I’ve done the Highlands proud.
"There are many highlights from the campaign, including seeing some very familiar faces at the Eden Court hustings, but perhaps even better was being able to drag the national media up from the central belt to Cairngorm Brewery for one of my first media calls!
"Sam (Faircliff) has an excellent set-up, and as well as highlighting the well-documented problems of the proposed Deposit Return Scheme, I was glad to see a thriving Highland business in the spotlight.
"It was well deserved, and I should also add that one journalist from London (who shall remain nameless) specially made the trip as Trade Winds has been their favourite tipple since their wedding day in the Highlands many moons ago.
"One thing I’d like to reiterate is my utmost support for the dualling of the A9 from Perth to Inverness. I meant every single word I uttered during the campaign, and I want to see Transport Scotland get to work straight away.
"A revised timescale must come before the summer, and the procurement process also needs to be reviewed and likely changed.
"We must do everything we can to ensure that happens – it was front and centre of the Highland News Media hustings and I would hope it’s on Humza’s radar as leader.
"In 2023 already a lot has happened in the political world in a very short space of time, so I’m not one for making rash predictions about the future.
"What I can do though, is give my constituents my honest assurance I will continue to do everything I can to serve them as constituency MSP as Badenoch.
"It’s a genuine privilege and I hope I won’t let you down. Thank you again for all your support."
