Kate Forbes’ warm approval for SNP’s Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch choice
The MSP for Skye, Lochaber & Badenoch, Kate Forbes, has welcomed confirmation of the SNP's new candidate for the next Holyrood election.
Eilidh Munro has been announced as the SNP's candidate, winning 79% of the local membership vote.
A fluent Gaelic speaker and traditional musician, Eilidh Munro has a background in media and politics, having worked for MacTV, BBC Alba and in the office of Alasdair Allan MSP at the Scottish Parliament. Her two young children are currently enrolled in Gaelic-medium education, and her husband works in the NHS in mental health nursing.
Following the SNP party conference in Aberdeen this weekend, sitting MSP Kate Forbes expressed her delight at Eilidh Munro's selection.
Ms Forbes said: "Eilidh Munro is an excellent choice to retain the seat of Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch for the SNP. She already represents the best of the Highlands, as a young Gaelic speaker and traditional musician.
"As a mother, with young children, she will be able to talk knowledgeably about the value of education and investing in the next generation. Eilidh Munro has the work ethic, independent mind and strength of character to fight for the Highlands.
"I cannot think of a better person to carry on my legacy. She will be a strong voice for Highland communities. I will be working day and night to elect her next May."
Eilidh Munro commented: "I'm delighted to have been selected as candidate by local party members and to have the backing of Kate Forbes MSP as we launch the campaign. Kate has been an incredibly hardworking representative for the Highlands over the past decade, and I hope to emulate that same tenacity, diligence and care she has shown in advocating fiercely on behalf of local communities and rural businesses across the constituency area.
"Despite the constraints of the current constitutional arrangement, the SNP Scottish Government has delivered significant progress across the board since coming to power - but there is much more work still to be done. As MSP, I will champion the priorities of communities across Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch throughout the policymaking process.
“We'll deliver on key infrastructure projects, affordable housing, and public service improvements - for example, through the Scottish Government's recently announced sponsorship of care worker visas to support the sector through staffing pressures, getting around the short-sighted policies of Westminster.
"I'm hugely looking forward to kicking things off with our campaign, meeting with voters and hearing directly from people across every corner of our incredible constituency area."