Maree Todd has thanked voters across the Highlands and Islands after returning to the Scottish Parliament as a regional MSP despite losing the Caithness, Sutherland and Ross constituency seat.

In a statement following the Scottish Parliament election, Todd congratulated her successor David Green while pledging to continue fighting for communities across the Highlands and Islands.

Todd said she was disappointed not to retain the constituency but remained proud to return to Holyrood as part of what she described as a historic fifth term for the SNP and the largest pro independence majority to date.

The SNP politician also praised activists and campaigners across the region whose work helped secure victories in several Highland and Island constituencies.

Todd highlighted the election of Hannah Mary Goodlad in Shetland alongside the return of Emma Roddick in Inverness and Nairn, Jenni Minto in Argyll and Bute and Laura Mitchell in Moray.

She said she was proud to be part of a strong group of SNP women representing the Highlands and Islands and looked forward to working closely with colleagues across Parliament.

Todd also paid tribute to former MSP Alasdair Allan who was not returned to Parliament following the election.

She described Allan as a dedicated and effective voice for Na h Eileanan an Iar and said his contribution would be greatly missed.

Todd pledged to continue advocating strongly for island communities and stressed the importance of maintaining Gaelic representation within the Scottish Parliament.

She also expressed disappointment that SNP candidate Eilidh Munro had not secured election, describing her as someone who would have been a tremendous asset to Holyrood.

Addressing concerns around the future representation of Gaelic within Scottish politics, Todd said she intended to build on the work previously carried out by Kate Forbes and Alasdair Allan.

“Although I’m not fluent, Gaelic is my mother tongue, and I will always advocate for its place and representation.”

The Highlands and Islands MSP also pointed to wider election trends across the UK which she said reflected growing support for constitutional reform within the devolved nations.

“That can’t be ignored, and I look forward to continuing to make the case alongside my party for Scotland to have a say over its own future.”

She added that she was eager to return to work immediately and focus on issues raised repeatedly during the campaign including health and social care pressures alongside the rising cost of living.