Independent candidate Fergus Ewing has said “something is happening” in Inverness and Nairn after a weekend show of support from local farmers and communities.

Supporters gathered in Nairn for a tractor cavalcade on Saturday morning, travelling along the A96 and through the town in a visible display backing his campaign.

The event, organised by local farmers and volunteers, brought together voices from across the area, reflecting growing engagement as the election approaches.

Ewing, who is standing as an independent after leaving the SNP, has centred his campaign on representing local priorities and challenging what he describes as party politics as usual.

He said the response so far has been encouraging.

“Something is happening in Inverness and Nairn, there is a feeling in this constituency that something different is possible.

“This weekend, farmers, volunteers and local supporters came together to show what this campaign is really about.

“Not party machines, not politics as usual.

“People.

“The people who make Inverness and Nairn what it is.

“Our businesses, our communities, our health workers, our farmers, our teachers, our families.

“People who want the Highlands to be heard, people who know we deserve better than being treated as an afterthought.”

Ewing said the election offers an opportunity to send an independent voice to Holyrood.

“This election is a chance to send an independent voice to Holyrood, a voice that answers to you, and to you alone.

“We have a chance to make a wee bit of history in this seat.

“Let’s work together, and get the job done.”

He also thanked those who took part in the weekend event and wider campaign activity.

“My sincere thanks to the farmers, supporters, and volunteers who turned out to Nairn this weekend.

“At a time when many feel tired of politics and forgotten by the party machines, people here are beginning to lift their eyes.

“We know the Highlands deserve better than being treated as an afterthought.”

Reflecting on the wider message of his campaign, he said:

“It is about our farmers, our businesses, our communities and the future of our people.

“It is about making sure the issues that matter here are heard loudly and clearly in Holyrood.

“We have a chance to make a small bit of history in this seat.”

Ewing also referenced his family’s political history and the possibility of change in the constituency.

“My Mother, Winnie, helped break the mould in Hamilton in 1967.

“Here in Inverness and Nairn, I believe we have the chance to do something just as important.

“We can break the system so that we can remake the system.”

Support for the campaign has also come from business figures, including Stewart Graham of Gael Force Marine.

Ewing said experienced representation will be vital in the years ahead.

“We face serious times ahead in the next 5 years that require experienced representation.

“We must value enterprise and recognise that a strong economy is essential for supporting our communities and public services.

“I will always stand up for the Highland economy and press the case of those working hard in businesses across our communities, and for the many jobs they provide to the people who depend on them.”

He added that his focus remains firmly on the constituency.

“The people of Inverness and Nairn are my first priority.

“Earning your trust is not something I take for granted.

“I will never answer to a party whip ahead of you.

“My job is to answer to you and you alone.

“That is the job, and it is what I will continue to do.”

The tractor cavalcade and wider campaign activity highlight a growing level of engagement in Inverness and Nairn, as candidates set out their case in the final stages before the vote.

An independent campaign in Inverness and Nairn has gathered momentum, with a weekend show of support from farmers and communities highlighting the role local voices may play in the outcome.