Western Isles SNP selects Alasdair Allan as Holyrood election candidate

Alasdair Allan, who has represented the islands in Holyrood since the SNP took the seat from Labour in 2007, was confirmed as the SNP’s sole nominee, following an online consultation with members.

Western Isles SNP Constituency Association Convenor Margaret Martin said: “Alasdair has been a hard-working and popular MSP, and has helped many hundreds of individuals in his work locally.

“We look forward as SNP members now to working for his re-election for a fourth time in May. At a difficult time for the country, I believe Alasdair is the person to represent this constituency’s interests and continue to stand up for the people of the islands.”

Dr Allan said he felt incredibly honoured to represent the people of the Western Isles in the Scottish Parliament.

He added: “If people choose to elect me in May, I will be honoured to do that work again. I thank SNP members for asking me to be their candidate.

“Support for independence has never been higher in Scotland, and is now establishing itself as the majority view. I believe as firmly now as I did when I joined the SNP 30 years ago that this view will prevail and win out in the end.

“I have tried though to represent people in the islands whether they vote for me or not, raising issues as varied as the future of Coastguard jobs in the islands to the need for affordable housing or the future of Gaelic.

“I don’t take voters for granted. it is voters who will decide whether I continue to serve as MSP, and I look forward to that campaign in May”