Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes on Fergus Ewing: ‘I hope he understands how grateful Highlanders are for his many years of service’ while First Minister John Swinney praised him as ‘faithful servant of his constituents’
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes responded to Fergus Ewing refusing to stand as an SNP MSP in the 2026 Holyrood election by saying: “I hope he understands how grateful Highlanders are for his many years of service.”
Mr Ewing Ewing confirmed earlier that he would not stand for re-election on the SNP ticket as he could not defend the Scottish Government’s failures on dualling the A9 and A96 in a blistering statement.
The hunt for a new candidate will now begin with Highlands and Islands MSP Emma Roddick currently seen as the likely favourite, it is understood that former MP Drew Hendry is not available for selection.
Now Ms Forbes, the MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, and a supporter of Mr Ewing has said: “I am sorry to hear that Fergus Ewing is standing down at the next election.
“He has been a consistent and effective representative for the Highlands over many decades. I am grateful for his kind support and guidance as a new MSP almost 10 years ago”.
She added: “I hope he understands how grateful Highlanders are for his many years of service.”
Earlier First Minister John Swinney also responded online by saying: “I am sorry Fergus Ewing has decided not to stand for the SNP at the next election. He has been a faithful servant of his constituents and has contributed much to the Scottish Parliament and Scottish Government. I wish him well”.
And in apparent reference to Mr Ewing’s remark that “The SNP just is no longer the party for all of Scotland”, Mr Swinney added: “I said I would be the First Minister for all of Scotland and that is what I will do”.
