Ewing triumphs in Inverness as SNP sweeps to Holyrood victory

Fergus Ewing

SNP minister Fergus Ewing swept to a massive victory in the Inverness and Nairn constituency as his party headed for a stunning victory in the elections to the Scottish Parliament.

Mr Ewing was defending a 5471 majority from the previous split Inverness seat. His margin of victory in the new radically realigned seat was 9,745.

The SNP were celebrating victory in the elections nationwide following the collapse of the Labour and Liberal Democrats vote.

In Inverness where Treasury Chief Danny Alexander is local MP and holds a Westminster coalition cabinet seat, Lib Dem candidate Christine Jardine was beaten into fourth place.

It means the SNP have taken all three Highland constituencies - two from the Lib Dems.

Mr Ewing was magnanimous in victory and he paid particular tribute to two of his opponents, David Stewart and Mary Scanlon.He said: "They have already worked hard and shown full commitment to the Highlands and Islands. On a personal level I wish them well for announcements that may be made later in the day."Mr Ewing added: "I think this day has shown that throughout the three mainland Highland seats people have bestowed their votes, their faith and their trust in the SNP. All of us will work hard to continue to earn that trust on their behalf."I have been honoured to be part of a campaign which has been relentlessly positive in our vision for Scotland."I think one of the reasons why people have put their trust in the SNP is that we have, as part of the first SNP government, sought to work with people in all parties and cast aside the bickering and the animosity. And I very much intend that will continue over the next five years."This is a great day and the last thing I would like to say is to my mother Winnie Ewing, ‘mum if you are watching I hope I have done no bad’."

RESULT

Inverness and Nairn

Fergus Ewing (SNP) – 16,870

David Stewart (Lab) – 7,125

Mary Scanlon (Con) – 3,797

Christine Jardine (Lib Dem) – 3,763

Ross Durance (UKIP) – 530

Donald Boyd (Scottish Christian Party) – 646

Majority – 9,745

Turnout – 52.8%

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