Lib Dems announce Kate Forbes’ seat as ‘top target’ at 2026 Holyrood election

Scotland’s Deputy First Minister has been told her Holyrood seat will be a “top target” for the Scottish Liberal Democrats at next year’s election as the party attempts to take it.

Alex Cole-Hamilton, the leader of the Scottish Lib Dems, said winning Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch from Kate Forbes in 2026 is a key priority.

The constituency overlaps with the Westminster seat of Inverness, Skye and West Ross-shire that was won by Liberal Democrat Angus MacDonald at the general election.

The Lib Dems have announced former Tory councillor Andrew Baxter as the politician tasked with taking on the top SNP politician.

As well as being a councillor, he is the chief of staff for Mr MacDonald, a businessman who donated to the Conservative Party before joining the Lib Dems and helping to overturn an SNP majority.

Scottish Lib Dem leader Alex Cole-Hamilton said Mr Baxter would make a “great” MP for the area.

“He has the experience and energy to represent Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, and will speak up for residents on the issues that matter most, like swift access to local healthcare and well-funded local services,” he said.

“Last summer, Angus MacDonald pushed the SNP back into second place and returned Charles Kennedy’s seat to the Liberal Democrat fold.

“Having campaigned alongside Andrew, I know that he is cut from the same cloth. His astonishing by-election victory last November showed that local people trust him to fight their corner.

“This is now a top target for my party at next year’s Scottish Parliament election.

“Voters will have a choice, a hardworking local champion in Andrew Baxter or more of the same with the SNP.”

Mr Baxter said: “So many people feel like nothing works anymore and that politicians aren’t on their side.

“I am committed to listening to the people and communities that make up Skye, Lochaber & Badenoch and giving my all to make sure they have the representation they deserve.

“Under the SNP, our NHS has deteriorated, local schools are left in disrepair, and the cost of living has risen, making day-to-day life harder for everyone.

“It’s time for change. I want to build on the success of Angus MacDonald in the recent UK Parliament election and work to make life easier, fairer and more affordable for everyone who lives here.”

A SNP spokesperson said: “People in Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch deserve better than a Tory turned Liberal Democrat elected representative, whose record in power includes huge austerity cuts, plummeting household incomes and voting through callous increases in tuition fees in England.

“At the upcoming election, the SNP will be proud to take our record to the people of Scotland – and tackle the bluster of the Lib Dems head on.”