Na h-Eileanan an Iar produce one of the election headlines
Na h–Eileanan an Iar produced one of the shock results of the Scottish Parliament 2026 elections after Labour’s Donald Mackinnon defeated the SNP’s Alasdair Allan by the narrow margin of just 154 votes.
Even as the count was finalised, neither side were willing to concede or declare victory, with their party observers insisting throughout the morning that it was neck and neck and too close to call.
As those gathered in Ionad Spors Leodhais awaited the declaration, returning officer Malcom Burr summoned all the candidates to the side of the stage for a lengthy discussion, providing a much-needed sense of drama. In the end, no recount was deemed necessary.
The full result was: Donald Mackinnon, Labour, 4,665; Alasdair Allan, SNP, 4,511; Malcolm Mactaggart, Reform, 1,625; Jamie Dobson, Liberal Democrats, 812; George Macpherson, Scottish Conservatives, 594; Kenny Mackenzie, Alliance to Liberate Scotland, 159. The turnout at 57.01 per cent was the lowest in the constituency’s history.
The count, held at Ionad Spors Leodhais, started just after 9am, with the result declared at 2.30pm.
Mr Mackinnon thanked Mr Allan for his 19 years of service and also thanked the people of Na h-Eileanan an Iar for voting for him.
“It is the privilege of my life to be elected to serve the community and the islands that I love,” he said.
“Today the people of Na h-Eileanan an Iar voted for change. After two decades of SNP Government, our islands have had enough of broken promises, excuses and being told to settle for less.
“I will work every single day to be an MSP for all of Na h-Eileanan an Iar whether you voted for me or not. I will stand up for every part of this constituency, every community, every island and every family that wants better for themselves and Scotland.
“I stood in this election promising to be a strong voice for our island, on funding for the Comhaorle, on ferries and on all the other important issues that matter to the future of this community.
“The people of Na h-Eileanan an Iar have put their trust in me and I will do everything I can to repay that trust. Thank you for this incredible honour. Now the hard work begins.”
Alasdair Allan had held the seat since 2007, a total of 19 years. In his valedictory speech, he wished Mr Mackinnon well and thanked all those who had helped him campaign.
Another notable feature of the result was the performance of Reform in third place, with their candidate Malcolm Mactaggart doubling the party’s vote in the constituency from the 2024 UK General Election.