Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney spent time campaigning in Invergordon ahead of the Cromarty Firth by-election to the Highland Council taking place this week.
Swinney, leader of the governing Scottish National Party, was in the port town to support candidate Odette MacDonald.
He arrived to meet volunteers in the town’s Natal Gardens which celebrates Invergordon’s maritime history, commemorating the loss in 1915 of 421 crew and civilians aboard HMS Natal which suffered a tragic explosion.
Swinney then joined campaigners and local MSP Maree Todd as they headed out to canvass potential voters, after which he set off for the Isle of Skye to campaign alongside by election candidate Màrtainn Mac a’ Bhàillidh for the Eilean a’ Cheò ward which also goes to the polls on the same day.
Odette MacDonald said:
“I was really grateful to receive the First Minister in the beautiful town of Invergordon and to have him join our wonderful volunteers on the doors.
“To me, the Natal Gardens sums up Invergordon as it offers a vision blending the town’s industrial heritage with the promise of the Green Freeport and the transition to clean, green energy so crucially represented here.”
Caithness, Sutherland and Ross MSP Maree Todd also joined her colleague on the campaign trail.
“I’ve worked with Odette for a long time and I know exactly how passionate she is about representing the people of Cromarty Firth.
“It is always a boost for any campaign when the First Minister can join our hard working activists and we’re really grateful that he found the time.
“Odette’s campaign has worked tirelessly because we know she would be an excellent local champion for the area, and would always have the backs of her constituents.
“The SNP believes in Scotland and is taking the decisions necessary to make sure that Cromarty Firth is central to a secure energy future for everyone.”
First Minster Swinney said:
“I was delighted to be in Invergordon to support Odette MacDonald, the SNP candidate for the Cromarty Firth by-election, this coming Thursday the 19th of June.
“It’s absolutely vital we have a strong SNP voice speaking up for the electors in Cromarty Firth on the Highland Council and, if you want to have a councillor who’s on Scotland’s side and on the side of the people of Cromarty Firth – vote Odette MacDonald.”
Voters go to the polls in the ward this Thursday, 19th June.
Polling stations will be open from 7am until 10pm with the count taking place the following day on the Isle of Skye.
The Highland Council will be live streaming the results on its YouTube channel.
