Former SNP MSP to Stand for ALBA in Highlands

Former Highland SNP MSP Mike MacKenzie has been announced as one of the ALBA Party’s list candidates for the Highlands & Islands region at the next Scottish election.

MacKenzie was an SNP MSP for the Highlands and Islands from 2011 to 2016 and was a list candidate for the SNP at the 2021 election.

This follows yesterday’s news that former longstanding SNP MP Angus Brendan MacNeil is ALBA’s lead candidate in the Highlands. Also standing is Laura Hansler, who is behind the A9 petition tabled at the Scottish Parliament.

The fourth and final Highlands & Islands list candidate for the pro-independence party is former SNP councillor Allan Duffy.

Party strategists are optimistic that the strong calibre of candidates on the Highlands and Islands list will see the party make a historic breakthrough in the region in May.

Commenting on the announcement, former SNP MSP Mike MacKenzie said:

"I’m delighted to be just one of a number of strong candidates carrying the ALBA standard in the Highlands & Islands at this election.

"Our message in the Highlands and across Scotland is clear: independence supporters must use their regional list vote to help guarantee a pro-independence majority, lock out Nigel Farage’s Reform UK, and ensure progress on independence.

"ALBA is presenting a slate of candidates who have a range of experience, both in Parliament and in the real world. We hope to restore some much-needed competence to the Scottish Parliament’s opposition benches.”