Laùra Hänsler has received the backing of former Skye Lochaber and Badenoch MSP Dave Thompson as she prepares to contest the constituency in the Scottish Parliament election in May.
The endorsement places added focus on Hänsler’s campaign in one of the Highlands’ most geographically vast and politically significant constituencies.
Dave Thompson, who represented the area until 2016, said:
“As the former SNP MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch until 2016, I am delighted to endorse and support local political campaigner Laùra Hänsler as the Alliance to Liberate Scotland candidate for the constituency.
“Laùra is an able, hard-working candidate who will make an excellent MSP.
“She has experience, drive and commitment, all essential qualities when fighting for a Highland constituency, which also requires stamina, dedication and perseverance which Laùra is certainly blessed with.”
Hänsler was recently selected as the Alliance to Liberate Scotland candidate for the seat, which stretches from Lochaber through Skye to Badenoch.
The constituency is one of the largest in the Scottish Parliament, covering remote island communities, rural mainland areas and key tourism centres.
Issues such as transport infrastructure, healthcare access and economic opportunity continue to dominate political debate across the region.
Hänsler said her campaign will focus on practical challenges facing Highland communities.
Laùra Hänsler said:
“I’m proud to stand for Skye, Lochaber & Badenoch with Alliance to Liberate Scotland.
“I’ve campaigned extensively over the years on the A9 Dualling Project; advocating for safer roads; and on HIFRS; pushing for decentralised control rooms so that local communities have a real say over these services.
“As a former NHS professional, I know the real challenges faced in delivering healthcare in rural areas, and I understand the constraints of rural life; from farming and crofting to fishing; and the commitment it takes to keep these communities thriving.
“As the Constituency MSP, my focus will be on transport safety, rural healthcare and supporting our local economies; ensuring that decision taken that affect Skye, Lochaber & Badenoch will be made with local people at the forefront.
“Alliance to Liberate Scotland is committed to empowering communities, promoting transparency, and delivering practical solutions that reflect the realities of live across Scotland’s Highlands and Islands.”
The election is expected to see strong competition across the Highlands, with candidates setting out their priorities on key rural issues.
With the campaign now taking shape, voters across Skye Lochaber and Badenoch will be considering the choices ahead as they prepare to elect their next representative.
