MSP Emma Roddick aims to contest the Inverness and Nairn seat in 2026 after Fergus Ewing said he would not stand for the SNP – but may run as an independent
Highlands and Islands MSP Emma Roddick has announced her intention to seek selection as the SNP candidate for Inverness and Nairn in 2026.
The 27-year-old Merkinch resident said she had “more to do” in the Scottish Parliament and is “excited” by the prospect of representing Inverness and Nairn.
The move comes after current constituency MSP Fergus Ewing spectacularly announced that he would not stand on the SNP – but may run as an independent.
He said he “simply could not defend” the Scottish Government’s record on projects like the A9 and the A96.
Ms Roddick said: “I am pleased to announce that I will be seeking the SNP candidature for Inverness and Nairn in 2026, the constituency I live in and already work hard for, alongside the other seven areas I currently represent as a regional MSP.
“Hopefully, SNP members and people living across Inverness and Nairn have seen how hard I’ve worked in the last four years on their behalf, raising issues around housing, tackling poverty, healthcare, and more.
“They can count on me to work just as hard if I’m re-elected. I’ve more to do in the Parliament, and I would be keen to come back for another term to see through my work on tackling homelessness and bring forward legislation to protect victims of sexual crimes.
“While I’ve loved representing the region and have always seen the scale of the area as a positive challenge, I’d be excited to be able to focus on Inverness and Nairn and really get stuck into the issues I’m already working on as a representative for the area.
“I hope my fellow SNP members, whom I’ve campaigned alongside on independence and many other issues for over a decade now, will decide to confirm me as their candidate next month.”
