A familiar face in Highland politics has been confirmed as the Liberal Democrat contender for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch.
Andrew Baxter, a popular local councillor and long-time community advocate, will go head-to-head with SNP heavyweight Kate Forbes in what is shaping up to be a fiercely contested race.
The seat has become a top target for the Lib Dems following their recent success in the overlapping Westminster constituency of Inverness, Skye and West Ross-shire.
That seat was won by Liberal Democrat Angus MacDonald in a significant shift from the SNP.
Baxter, who lives in South Lochaber, has built a strong reputation through his tireless campaigning on rural issues.
He has consistently pressed for a fairer deal for Highland communities and led the charge for long-overdue investment in the Corran Ferry service.
He spent 17 years running the Kinlochleven village post office and worked as a tour guide before stepping further into frontline politics.
He now works as Chief of Staff to MP Angus MacDonald in Fort William, gaining experience at the heart of Westminster politics.
Baxter’s own electoral strength was proven in November 2024, when he won the Fort William and Ardnamurchan by-election with an impressive 58.9% of first-preference votes.
The SNP trailed far behind on 25.5%, highlighting the growing appetite for change among local voters.
Speaking after his selection, Baxter said people were frustrated and felt that “nothing works anymore.”
He pledged to be a strong voice for the communities of Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch and to fight for better public services and infrastructure.
He criticised the SNP’s record on the NHS, education, and the cost of living crisis, saying the time had come for a fresh approach.
Baxter said he would build on the success of Angus MacDonald and work to deliver practical improvements for local residents.
Scottish Lib Dem leader Alex Cole-Hamilton backed Baxter as the best choice to deliver for Highland communities.
He praised Baxter’s energy, experience and deep local knowledge, saying he had already shown he could win the trust of voters.
Cole-Hamilton compared him to the late Charles Kennedy, saying both were cut from the same cloth when it came to standing up for Highland values.
He added that the upcoming Holyrood election would give people the choice between a hardworking local champion and more of the same from the SNP.
With the political map shifting and local issues taking centre stage, this race is expected to be one of the most closely watched contests in the country.
