Maree Todd ready for unique challenges facing Caithness, Sutherland and Ross
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Newly elected MSP Maree Todd says she feels well equipped to deal with the "unique set of challenges" facing Caithness, Sutherland and Ross.
Ms Todd is due to be sworn into the Scottish Parliament on Thursday and will be taking her affirmation in Gaelic.
She beat her closest challenger, Molly Nolan of the Liberal Democrats, by 2591 votes in last week's election. Ms Todd took 15,889 votes while Ms Nolan gained 13,298.
Ms Todd was previously a regional MSP for the Highlands and Islands and has served as minister for children and young in the Scottish Government for the past four years.
Ms Todd said: “I’m honoured to be returning to the Scottish Parliament, this time as the constituency MSP for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross.
“I have been elected to represent everyone in this constituency, regardless of whether they voted for me, and I promise I will do this to the best of my ability.
“Having previously represented the Highlands and Islands region in Holyrood, which equates to half the landmass of Scotland, I feel I am well equipped to rise to the unique set of challenges this vast and rural constituency faces.
“We're in the process of setting up a new office. In the meantime, I am contactable via email and by phone. If there is anything I can do to support you, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
“I look forward to stepping into my new role and working for the people of Caithness, Sutherland and Ross.”
The seat had been held since 2016 by Gail Ross (also SNP), who stood down for family reasons.
Ms Todd said after the results were declared that being elected as MSP for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross was "the privilege of my life".
She also praised her opponents in the constituency for conducting a "respectful" campaign that was free of derogatory remarks or misleading statements.
Ms Todd, who grew up in Ullapool and lives in Strathpeffer, worked for many years as a mental health pharmacist in Inverness.
Her email address is maree.todd.msp@parliament.scot and the phone number is 07866 186170.
