The SNP have a won the by-election for the Highland Council ward of Fort William and Ardnamurchan.
Newly elected Councillor Sarah Fanet (pictured) won an impressive 39.6% of first preference votes, increasing the party’s vote share in the ward by 6.7% and was elected at stage 6.
Cllr Fanet came to Scotland from France 30 years ago and has worked as a teacher, translator and a musician.
Addressing EU nationals in her acceptance speech, she said “without free movement I would not be speaking to you now as your new councillor…I am on your side, the SNP is on your side.
“We will continue to fight to protect your rights and your dignity.
“Lochaber is your home.
“We want you to stay, we want you to know you can vote, stand for an election and win.”
Commenting, SNP councillor Sarah Fanet said:
“I am absolutely delighted that the people of Fort William and Ardnamurchan have chosen me to represent them on Highland Council.
“The SNP team in Lochaber have been outstanding.
“They have worked so hard to get out the vote, spread our message and ensure that the SNP came out on top.
“The SNP members have also been such an incredible support to me during the campaign and I would like to thank them very much for that.
“I’m excited to join the SNP group on Highland Council and continue to deliver for the people and communities in the area.
“This is a clear demonstration from the people of Fort William and Ardnamurchan that people trust the SNP to continue to deliver for them, their communities and Scotland.”
