Home   News   Article

Maree Todd confirmed as SNP candidate for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross


By Alan Hendry

Easier access to your trusted, local news. Subscribe to a digital package and support local news publishing.



Click here to sign up to our free newsletters!
Maree Todd: 'I know this constituency like the back of my hand.'
Maree Todd: 'I know this constituency like the back of my hand.'

Maree Todd has been confirmed as the SNP candidate for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross in next year’s Scottish Parliament elections.

She will be seeking to replace her party colleague Gail Ross, who announced in February that she would be stepping down as MSP because of the demands of travelling to Edinburgh and being away from home.

Ms Todd, currently a list MSP for the Highlands and Islands, was appointed as the Scottish Government's minister for childcare and early years in November 2017.

She said: “I’m delighted that SNP branch members in Caithness, Sutherland and Ross have confirmed me as their candidate for the 2021 election.

“This seat includes Ullapool, where I grew up, and Strathpeffer, where I now live with my family. It would be the privilege of my life to represent my home constituency and the people I grew up with and care about.

“I was elected to Holyrood in 2016 as a Highlands and Islands regional list MSP and I have a strong record of hard work and covering the region – despite my region covering half the landmass of Scotland!

“I know this constituency like the back of my hand. I have gained extensive campaign experience here, and all over Scotland.

"Due to Covid-19, this campaign will be like no other, but I’m fizzing with ideas and I’m eager to build a team that can win it and win big.”

Ms Todd described the constituency as "rich with opportunity", from renewable energy to the food and drink sector.

But she added: "At this moment in time, we face significant challenges.

“Covid-19 has affected each and every one of us and fundamentally changed the way we live our lives.

"Being a government minister at this time of national crisis has reinforced the extent to which we, as politicians, are responsible for the safety and prosperity of the people of Scotland on a day-to-day basis. The responsibility is significant, and I am daily reminded of the very real impact our decisions have on my constituents.

“We also face the looming catastrophe of a no-deal or a low-deal Brexit. The damage that this will do to our people and our children’s future is incalculable.

"We didn’t choose this, but we’ll have to deal with the consequences without the powers to protect ourselves. And those limited powers we have are under threat.”

On the question of an independent Scotland, Ms Todd said: "Recent events have shown very clearly what can happen when decision-making is taken within Scotland, for the benefit of Scottish people. Opinion polls are consistently returning a majority for Yes, showing the highest sustained support for independence in my lifetime.

“Now, more than ever, I believe we need to choose our own way forward – as an independent nation.”

Related stories:


Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.



This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More