The Scottish Liberal Democrats have announced that Alan Reid (pictured) has been selected to stand for the party at the top of the Highlands and Islands regional list for the 2021 Scottish Parliament elections.

He is part of a diverse and talented group of candidates with a 50:50 gender balance in the top spots.

Alan was the MP for Argyll and Bute for 14 years and currently represents the Cowal ward on Argyll and Bute Council.

He has been campaigning for new ferries to serve the islands and peninsulas, completion of the roll-out of superfast broadband to all premises in the Highland and Islands, a permanent solution to the problems on the A83 at the Rest & Thankful, new and more resources to be directed to rural NHS services.

Commenting on the nomination, Alan Reid said:

“I am very pleased to have been chosen by our members in the Highlands and Islands to top the list for next year’s election.

“I look forward to working with communities throughout the Highlands & Islands to enable our region to recover from the Covid crisis.

“I will be campaigning for Scottish Government financial support for local communities and to give these communities the powers to meet their own challenges.

“That democratic accountability is vital as those who live within the community understand best what is needed to ensure their future success.

“Completing the roll-out of superfast broadband throughout the Highlands & Islands is of vital importance and will be a key issue of our campaign.

“Liberal Democrats have a long tradition in the Highlands & Islands and I look forward to building on our successes in the Northern Isles and the return of Liberal Democrat MSPs in the rest of the Highlands & Islands.”

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie added:

“I’m delighted to have Alan standing for the Liberal Democrats in the Highlands and Islands.

“He joins a very strong team of Liberal Democrats in the Highlands and Northern Isles. 

“We have a diverse and talented group of candidates seeking election in 2021 and he is a valuable member of that team.

“I know Alan will fight fiercely for their local communities and people’s access to well-resourced public services. 

“This is a really exciting and important election.

“It’s a chance to push for recovery through partnership.

“Liberal Democrats will be focused on supporting people and businesses out of this crisis and putting the future of the planet centre stage.”