KATE Forbes is tonight celebrating a massive victory after trouncing opponents in the Scottish Parliament constituency contest.
Forbes, who served as Finance Secretary in the last parliament, took a huge 24,200 votes in Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch — leaving the second-place Tories on next to nothing.
She took 56.1% of the vote after a swing of 2.7% from the Tories to the SNP, increasing her majority by almost 7000 votes.
Forbes said: "I am grateful to the people of this constituency for their support. I never take a single vote for granted, and I am sincerely grateful for the trust placed in me by the people of Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch."
The 31-year-old is the only woman ever to serve as Scotland's Finance Secretary.
In the last parliamentary term she helped secure millions of pounds of investment in rural tourism infrastructure in her constituency. She now aims to tackle the region's "affordable housing crisis" and ensure the delivery of key upgrades like a new hospital in Fort William.
READ MORE: Election 2021: Michelle Thomson's 'emotional' win for SNP
She demolished rivals in this campaign to secure 24,192 votes, leaving Tory Jamie Halcro Johnston trailing on 8331.
LibDem hopeful Denis Rixson came in third with 6778 while John Erskine of Labour achieved 3855.
Forbes said: "As we begin to emerge from the Covid pandemic, I am under no illusion about the challenges ahead for the economy, health and education of the Highlands, and I will continue to work tirelessly for my constituents – just as I have done over the past five years.
"A lot has been achieved, but there's lots more to do.
"The lack of affordable housing has been well documented, it’s a common problem in all parts of my constituency, so it is something I want to give specific focus to.
"I also want to see vital infrastructure projects moving forwards as quickly as possible.
"The new Belford Hospital is long overdue, as are road safety improvements at the notorious Munlochy Junction."
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