SNP Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop travelled to Inverness this week to back Emma Roddick’s campaign to win the Inverness and Nairn constituency at the Scottish Parliament election in May 2026.
Hyslop joined local members and supporters as the campaign formally stepped up, urging activists to get fully behind Roddick in the months ahead.
During the visit, Hyslop pointed to what she described as the SNP’s record of delivery in the Highlands and Islands, highlighting progress on the University of the Highlands and Islands, the Inverness Castle project and funding for dualling work on the A9 and A96.
She praised Roddick’s performance in Parliament and her ability to connect with what she described as the independence generation.
Roddick, who currently represents the Highlands and Islands region, welcomed the endorsement and said local campaigning had helped push infrastructure priorities higher up the agenda.
She said:
“I was so pleased to welcome Fiona to Inverness to share our vision for the future of this constituency.
“Having served as a Cabinet Secretary under every SNP First Minister, she understands the dedication required to deliver for the Highlands and it’s an honour to have her explicit support.
“I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved so far, from changing housing law to securing better protections against wildfires.
“However, I still have unfinished business when it comes to supporting survivors of domestic abuse and tackling depopulation.
“If elected to represent Inverness and Nairn in May, I will continue to put every ounce of my energy into serving my home.
“Whether it is implementing the Addressing Depopulation Action Plan, further improving prevention of homelessness, or ensuring our local infrastructure projects stay on track, I will not take my foot off the accelerator.”
The event also revisited Roddick’s work on housing legislation and her previous ministerial role covering migration.
She confirmed that, if returned to Holyrood, she intends to restart work on a proposed Members’ Bill aimed at recognising trauma as corroboration in cases of sexual assault and rape.
With campaigning intensifying ahead of May, Inverness and Nairn is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched contests in the north.
For voters, the choice will rest not only on national politics but on who they believe can deliver locally.
