Highlands and Islands Labour has welcomed comments from the Scottish Liberal Democrats indicating a willingness to work constructively with Anas Sarwar following the election.

The remarks point to the possibility of cooperation between the two parties in the event that no single party secures a majority in the Scottish Parliament.

Labour said the approach reflects a focus on stability, delivery and shared priorities, particularly in areas such as public services and economic growth.

The statement also drew on previous cooperation between Labour and the Liberal Democrats in the early years of the Scottish Parliament.

During that period, the two parties worked together in government, introducing a range of policies across education, health and wider public services.

Highlands and Islands Labour argued that a similar approach could again provide a basis for progress, particularly in rural and island communities.

Rhoda Grant said:

“This is a welcome and mature response from the Liberal Democrats.

“Voters in the Highlands and Islands are tired of the constant constitutional bickering that has seen our ferries fail, our housing costs soar, and our NHS reach a breaking point.

“Anas Sarwar has a clear, positive vision for Scotland, one that prioritises the cost of living crisis and the unique challenges of our rural economy.

“It is heartening to see other parties recognise that Scotland needs a grown up government that can command a majority based on common sense and the common good.”

She also pointed to previous parliamentary cooperation between the two parties.

“I was part of the group of eight Highlands and Islands Labour and Lib Dem MSPs that gave the Labour Lib Dem coalition its working majority in the first two Scottish parliaments.

“These were very positive times with Labour and Lib Dem MSPs working together day in and day out to deliver a programme of really progressive change.”

Labour said key priorities for any future administration would include addressing ferry reliability, improving access to healthcare in rural areas and supporting jobs linked to the transition to net zero.

The party also highlighted the potential role of cooperation between parties in shaping the outcome of the election.

“Lib Dems in the Highlands and Islands could have a decisive impact in this election by lending Labour their second vote to help stop Reform and the independence parties winning more seats.”

The comments come as parties set out their positions ahead of the election, with questions around cooperation and potential governing arrangements becoming increasingly prominent.