Next years Scottish Elections

Yesterday Ross, Skye and Inverness West Liberal Democrats unanimously re-adopted John Farquhar Munro MSP to stand in next years Scottish Parliamentary Elections. The adoption meeting had to be held on a Saturday afternoon to give everyone in this geographically huge constituency chance to get there. It was particularly pleasing to see Charles Kennedy there together with his wife and son. Both he and John were in relaxed mood and feeling positive about our prospects.

There was also some discussion about the Scottish Council Elections which are to be held by Single Transferable Vote in multi-member constituencies. Whilst I welcome STV I am disappointed that each constituency will elect just four members. This could mean in the Highlands that the four main parties will play safe and just put one candidate forward for election. To my mind STV would work best with at least five members per constituency.

The Highland Council is currently run by 'Independents' but many of these are starting to declare their true colours as the change gets nearer.