Meet your Highlands & Islands list candidates: Libertarian, SNP, and Rural Parties
We asked the parties’ top list candidates in the Highlands and Islands region, hoping to win your vote in the upcoming Scottish Parliament election on May 7, some tricky questions, and this is how they answered - or not.
Each person in Scotland is represented by eight MSPs – one ’constituency’ MSP and seven ’regional’ or ’list’ MSPs.
In the Holyrood election on Thursday May 7, voters in the Highlands and Islands will be asked, on the lilac-coloured ballot paper, to vote for one ’constituency’ MSP, representing whichever of the three constituencies they live in: Argyll and Bute, or Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, or Na h-Eileanan an Iar. Choose one candidate by marking ‘X’ next to your choice. The winner from each constituency will be decided by the first-past-the-post system. You can read profiles from your constituency’s candidates in our newspapers this week, as well as at www.westcoasttoday.co.uk.
On election day, voters will also be asked, on the peach-coloured ballot paper, to elect seven ’regional’ or ’list’ MSPs, representing the whole Highlands and Islands region. Before the election, each political party publishes a list of candidates for each region. The second ballot paper has a list of political parties. Voters put one ’X’ next to their choice of political party. The seven ’list’ MSPs come from the winning parties, decided by the complex Additional Member System. You can read profiles from each party, and from their top-of-the-list candidates, below, starting with the first alphabetically, followed by the others during election week.
We asked every party standing in the Highlands and Islands why voters here should mark an ’X’ next to their party on the peach-coloured ballot paper. Further, we asked: people feel rising costs, cuts to services, and threats to our security - what would their party do?
We also asked the same five questions to every candidate within the top three of the parties’ lists:
1. Why should we be stuck with you as our MSP for the next five years?
2. What do you promise to do, for c. £400k plus expenses over those five years, to make our lives better?
3. Do you commit to always telling the truth?
4. Do you commit to protecting every citizen, no matter their creed, colour, or religion?
5. Is man-made climate change real, and a threat to the lives of our children, their children, and so on?
Here is what they said...
Scottish Libertarian Party
The Scottish Libertarian party believes in 3 core principles: The right to life, the right to freedom of speech, and the right to property
These core principles guide us in our political beliefs. So, if you want a party that will fight for your free speech, your freedom of choice and your right to be safe within your home and community then look no further. We do not believe in big government or vast amount of government spending on solutions that never fix the issue they set out to fix. We believe in a small as possible government, we believe people should be left alone to live their life’s and to make their own choices, so if you want a party that’s going to push for reducing the power and size of government reducing taxation and fighting for your freedom and personal liberty vote Scottish Libertarian party
Nathan Lumb
1. Because I’m the only candidate standing who wants to reduce government size, spending, and power over your personal life
2. I vow to oppose any form of government spendings or legislation that will infringe upon the rights of individuals as well as fight to repeal many examples that are already in place. Furthermore, I will work to increase transparency in government so that the first people hear about a new law is not when its being enforced but when its being discussed so they can rightfully voice their views on it.
3. Yes, and I feel there will be plenty of hard truths we will have to face up to, but how do we fix the problems if we don’t even admit what they are.
4. As a libertarian I believe in the right to life, including protection from violence or the threat of violence an d freedom of speech of the individual.
5. Whilst I believe we should care for the planet; I believe good intentions have been hijacked by governments to impose ever more draconian laws designed not to help the planet but to restrict personal freedoms and make running a business even harder.
Scottish National Party (SNP)
With the SNP and John Swinney as First Minister, people will have a government that is always on the side of the Highlands and Islands.
The cost of living is really hurting people here – whether food, energy or in particular petrol, the Highlands and Islands are on the front line of the cost-of-living crisis and being hit hardest because Westminster simply will not act to support them.
That is why the SNP will take action – bringing forward bold plans for a legal cap on the price of essential foods in big supermarkets, providing more support for families with childcare costs and helping young people with the cost of a deposit.
Under John Swinney’s leadership, the SNP is focused on improving our NHS and supporting people with the cost of living and with the fresh start of independence, we can build a wealthier and fairer Scotland anew.
Maree Todd
1. I’ve served as an MSP for ten years, and I’ve been trusted by three First Ministers with some of the toughest portfolios in government.
I’m a Highlander, born and raised in Ullapool, where I still live today. I understand the challenges we face across the H&I, from connectivity and housing to public services - I live them too.
I bring experience, a strong track record and a commitment to delivering Scotland’s independence.
2. I will always act in the interests of the communities I represent.
In Invergordon, I secured a walk-in GP clinic by acting on local concerns about access to care. I’ve also secured a commitment to introduce maternity apprenticeships, enabling people to earn and learn in their communities, helping tackle depopulation and workforce challenges. I promise to build on this progress.
3. Yes.
4. Yes.
5. As a scientist, I follow the evidence. It is clear to me that we must change course, and do so quickly.
The Highlands & Islands are rich in natural resources that can play a vital role in the transition to net zero. I am committed to working closely with communities to ensure these resources are developed responsibly, delivering fair outcomes and securing lasting economic and social benefits.
Robert Leslie
1. I have worked for both Maree and Emma in a part-time capacity when they were Highlands and Islands MSPs, so I know what the role involves and am ready to take it on. I am passionate about tackling poverty in all its forms - fuel, food and child poverty all mean balancing tight household budgets and I want to maximise the money in folks’ pockets. I often travel through the Highlands and Islands for work and leisure, and would be willing to cover the miles to ensure I represent the whole region.
2. I will listen to folks’ concerns and take action to address these. As a housing association energy officer I deal with frontline energy issues on a daily basis so am well versed in challenging poor customer service and in getting support for folk when they need it. I would carry the ethos of leaving no stone unturned to help folk into my role as MSP.
3. Yes.
4. Yes. Equality and inclusion are extremely important to me.
5. Yes. As someone who has taken a degree in Environmental Studies through the Open University and holds a Certificate in Environmental Management from the Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals, I believe the science.
Emma Roddick
The third candidate on the SNP’s list, Emma Roddick, did not respond to our request.
Scottish Rural Party
The Scottish Rural Party was born out of necessity - the necessity to get a better deal for rural Scotland.
A recent survey showed that:
- 73% of rural residents believe that politicians do not understand the countryside.
- 64% feel that they do not have a meaningful voice in decisions affecting them.
- Dissatisfaction in the most remote areas approached 80%.
We will fight to counter this imbalance to prevent rural depopulation and support rural communities to maintain and enhance local services.
We will be a champion for our farming, fishing, and crofting industries, not forgetting whisky distilling and tourism.
Connectivity must be a focus, through the airwaves and by better road and ferry infrastructure, in particular.
The reality is we will need oil-based energy for decades. Better it comes from our own North Sea than being bought in a volatile world market.
That said, we must all contribute to a healthy environment and keep rural Scotland populated.
However, ’rewilding’ our countryside is definitely not the answer!
Alasdair Fletcher
1. Great question. Over the past decade or more I have been dismayed at the increasing indifference that politicians have for rural communities. I will do my utmost to correct this imbalance.
2. There is no magic wand, but we must continually hold those in power to account to make them focus more on rural matters. I have always had a strong work ethic and I will earn my corn as well as any politician.
Like every working person a lot of my salary will go in taxes. I will campaign to see that it is used more wisely!
3. Yes.
4. Creed, colour or religion shouldn’t matter. It is the person that counts. I will support every law-abiding citizen. However, criminals would be better voting for someone else!
5. Climate change is happening, and yes mankind is contributing to it. However, it is a worldwide problem and should be tackled thus. Scotland does not live in a cocoon whereby the ozone layer above us repairs if we achieve net zero. Energy from our own resources should be just that - and from renewables and North Sea oil and gas, which will be required for decades in a just transition. Impoverishing ourselves at the behest of the urban wine bar zealots will be a greater threat to our children and children’s children!
Ruaridh Ormiston
1. We at the SRP are wholly committed to the long term sustainable future and economy of rural communities in our Highlands and Islands - we are not like other parties with a central belt focus.
2. To be wholly committed to working for our constituents and to represent them as best as possible at Holyrood on cross party committees and in debate
3. That goes without saying - as a Highlander it should be imprinted in our DNA and I also have not time for political point scoring and smear campaigns - at Holyrood we should all be playing for the one team and that team is Scotland !
4. Yes of course - the Highlands and Islands has a great track record of welcoming al nationalities and making them feel past of our community - my own mum is in a care home in Grantown and without her lovely carers from Nigeria and the Philippines we would really struggle.
5. I believe there is man-made climate change and we should do our utmost to mitigate this but not at the detrimental effect to the economy and jobs. We need proper “just transition” that is mindful of jobs and that we will need hydrocarbons for decades to come - not just for fuel but manufacturing too - our communities need more ownership and benefit from renewable schemes - too much just now is for the benefit of foreign investors and investment organisations!
Full list of party candidates in the Highlands & Islands region
Advance UK
Matt Sheppard
Steve Skerrett
Alliance to Liberate Scotland
Brian Nugent
Andrew MacDonald
Kenny Mackenzie
Laùra Hänsler
Allan Duffy
Flora Badger
Independence for Scotland Party
Fiona Nelson
Independent Green Voice
Nicola Siddall
Reform UK
Vic Currie
Max Bannerman
Amanda Hampsey
Fred Campbell
Malcom McTaggart
Jon Whitton
John Coupland
Scottish Christian Party
Donald Boyd
Scottish Conservative & Unionist
Tim Eagle
Jamie Halcro Johnston
Helen Crawford
Ruraidh Stewart
George MacPherson
Peter Wallace
Donald MacKenzie
Douglas Barnett
Scottish Family Party
Kenny Stone
Allan MacEachen
Rachel Gibson
Eva Morrice
Harriet Woolmore
Scottish Green
Ariane Burgess
Kristopher Leask
Kate Willis
Draeyk van der Horn
Alex Armitage
Anne Thomas
Julie Christie
Scottish Labour
Isla McCay
Donald MacKinnon
Eva Kestner
John Erskine
Mike Macleod
Callum George
Shaun Fraser
David Blair
Scottish Liberal Democrat
Morven-May MacCallum
Alan Reid
Declan Gallacher
Angela Maclean
Denis Rixson
Guy Grieve
Fiona Bennett
Scottish Libertarian Party
Nathan Lumb
Scottish National Party
Maree Todd
Robert Leslie
Emma Roddick
Hannah Goodlad
Eilidh Munro
Jérémie Fernandes
Scottish Rural Party
Alasdair Fletcher
Ruaridh Ormiston
Scottish Socialist Party
Willie Hamilton
Brenda Nicholson
Workers Party of Britain
Syed Hussain
Independent
Duncan MacPherson
Independent
Mick Rice
Why not try these links to see what our West Coast AI can tell you.
(Please note this is an experimental service)
Sign up to our daily Newsletter
Permission Statement
Yes! I would like to be sent emails from West Coast Today
I understand that my personal information will not be shared with any third parties, and will only be used to provide me with useful targeted articles as indicated.
I'm also aware that I can un-subscribe at any point either from each email notification or on My Account screen.
You may also like
Sign up to our daily Newsletters
Permission Statement
Yes! I would like to be sent emails from West Coast Today
I understand that my personal information will not be shared with any third parties, and will only be used to provide me with useful targeted articles as indicated.
I'm also aware that I can un-subscribe at any point either from each email notification or on My Account screen.
© 2026 Wyvex Media Limited.