Independent Candidate Wins Tain And Easter Ross By-election

12th June 2011

Tain and Easter Ross by-election result

•Detailed election results

The five-cornered by-election for Tain and Easter Ross (Ward 8) on The Highland Council has resulted in a victory for Mrs Fiona Robertson, Independent. The by-election followed the death of SNP councillor Alan Torrance, 68, in March after a long illness.

Mrs Robertson, a project consultant for communities who lives at Tigh-na-sonas, Newton, Tain, said: "I am absolutely delighted to have been elected to serve Tain and Easter Ross and would like to thank all who placed their trust in me by voting for me. I have always worked hard for this area and will ensure that its needs and aspirations are fought for."

Ms Robertson, an independent candidate, grew up in Inver and raised her own family in the area. She has been involved in public service for a number of years, serving on her local community council and as a member of a number of voluntary and school groups.

During the past 11 years she has worked as a member of a team with local Highland Councillors as a project consultant. She has worked on a number of local projects including the Tain Rose Garden refurbishment; skateboard park; wildlife pond; Tain Youth Café; town centre CCTV and community polytunnel project.

The turn out was 36.4% and the total number of valid votes cast was 2,519.

The by-election was held following the death of Councillor Alan Torrance (SNP).

Mrs Robertson joins Councillor Alasdair Rhind and Richard Durham, both Independent, in representing Ward 8 on the Council.

The make up of the Council (80 members) before the by-election was: Independent, 24 members; Liberal Democrat, 20 members; SNP, 18 members; Labour, 7 members; Independent Members Group, 6; and Independent Alliance Group, 4.

The count was held at the Duthac Centre, Tain.

Michael Herd (Independent), was eliminated at the end of stage one, with 97votes.

His votes were then redistributed and Antony Gardner (Liberal Democrat) was eliminated at the end of stage 2 with 318 votes.

Mr Gardner's votes were then redistributed and Ruairidh Mackenzie, Independent, was eliminated at the end of stage 3 with 547 votes.

At the final stage, Mrs Robertson had 1,204 votes, and Derek Louden, Scottish National Party, had 1,037 votes.

The Scottish National Party lost despite a massive effort by SNP Highland councillors and two MSP's canvassing for the SNP candidate. Their hope that the national swing in Holyrood would flow to the by-election were not fulfilled when up against a strong local independent candidate.