In the constituency results, David Green, for the Lib Dems, has been returned as MSP for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross with a majority of almost 5 thousand replacing Maree Tood who held the seat for the SNP since 2021.
This is the first time SNP have been defeated since the seat was formed in 2011. The Constituency and Regional turnout was fifty-four percent.
The results of the other Highland Constituencies saw Inverness and Nairn return Emma Roddick for the SNP ousting long standing MSP Fergus Ewing who stood as an independent. It will be the first time a Ewing has not been in a UK or Scottish parliament since 1987. In Skye Lochaber and Badenoch, Andrew Baxter for the Scottish Lib Dems was returned.
After 11 pm, the regional Highland list was still unknown after counting had begun at 9am.
An air ambulance on its way from Inverness Airport to an emergency call in Applecross on Thursday afternoon had to make what was referred to as a safe but unexpected landing in Loch Torridon due to adverse weather conditions.
There was no patient on the helicopter and no injuries to the pilot and crew were reported after the helicopter landed safely. A BASICS Scotland doctor was sent to the Applecross call and remained with the patient until an alternative ambulance arrived.
The Air Accident Investigation Branch is looking into the cause of the incident.
The annual Highlands and Islands Food & Drink Awards ceremony took place in Inverness last week, the 20th year of the Awards.
Among the winners was Judith Fish named as Ambassador of the Year in recognition of her contribution to hospitality over many years.
Judith has owned and run the Applecross Inn for more than 35 years during which time the Inn itself has won many accolades being recognised world wide as a top destination and attracting many visitors to Wester Ross.
The senior football season is over for Ross County and Inverness Caley Thistle but local amateur side Gairloch & Aultbea United has an away match this afternoon in the first round of the Highland Amateur Cup when it plays Ardersier FC.
Kick off at Ardersier is at three o’clock and United would welcome any spectator support for the team.
