Electioneering is well under way across Lochaber and beyond as four candidates currently vie to become the first MP for the new Inverness, Skye and West Ross-shire constituency.
Fort William businessman and local councillor Angus MacDonald (Liberal Democrats) is being touted as one of the front runners along with Drew Hendry (SNP), who was the MP for Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey up until Parliament was dissolved today (May 30).
Eilean a’ Cheò councillor Councillor Ruraidh Stewart (Conservative & Unionist Group) and Peter Newman (Scottish Greens) are also in the race.
The newly formed constituency measures around 12,000 square kilometres and is one of the largest areas of representation in Western Europe. It was formed on the back of The Parliamentary Constituency Order 2023, which was agreed on November 15, 2023 and came into force on November 29.
Last week Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced that the next general election will take place on July 4 ending months of speculation about when the UK would go to the polls.
Angus MacDonald welcomed the election announcement.
"The people in the Highlands are desperate for a change," he told us.
"I have been campaigning for 16 months and am as ready as anyone. My hunch is that it will be a close run thing.
"I promise to work extremely consensually with whoever gets elected for the benefit of the Highlands.
"My main task is to get funding for Highland infrastructure for roads and hospitals, help make our economy thrive, and work with the energy minister to ensure we maximise the opportunity for community benefits from renewables, to include ensuring lower electricity bills."
Drew Hendry said: "It’s been great getting out and about meeting folk across Lochaber and learning more about the issues that impact them.
"It’s clear that people are struggling with higher energy costs, higher food bills and higher mortgage payments. Whilst young people are faced with less opportunity, less financial security and less opportunity to travel.
"There is hope though, and it’s clear we’ve got talent and opportunity in abundance which gives me a lot of hope for the future."
Former Plockton High School pupil Ruaridh Stewart said: "I am honoured to be standing for the Inverness, Skye, and West Ross-shire seat in the upcoming general election.
"Growing up on the West Coast, I am deeply committed to our local communities and determined to address the unique challenges we face head-on.
"My focus is resolutely on local issues rather than broader constitutional debates.
"If elected, I will be a strong advocate for the people of Inverness, Skye, and West Ross-shire.
"My priorities are clear: I aim to tackle the rural housing crisis, support our crofters, farmers, and fishermen, promote sustainable tourism, provide quality and accessible healthcare for all, and improve our physical and digital infrastructure.
"These are all vital for economic growth and enhancing the quality of life for everyone in our community."
A relative newcomer to national politics, Peter Newman has been involved in many community activities over the years and is currently head of media at Fort William Football Club.
He told us: "The campaign is going to be fought on the need for greater fairness and now is the time for voters to choose candidates who know what matters - a world fit for each other and services and businesses working for the many, not the few.
Elsewhere there are currently four candidates for the Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber constituency. They are: Amanda Hampsey (Conservative & Unionist); Hamish Maxwell (Labour); Brendan O’Hara (SNP); Alan Reid (Liberal Democrats).
There is also four for Na h-Eileanan an Iar: Donald MacLeod Boyd (Christian Party "Proclaiming Christ’s Lordship"); Torcuil Crichton (Labour); Angus MacNeil (Independant); Susan Thomson (SNP).
Any other potential candidates have until June 7 to register.
Lochaber Chamber of Commerce will be hosting an Election Hustings event for local business and the wider community on Tuesday June 18 from 7-9pm at the Ben Nevis Hotel and Leisure Club in Fort William.
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