DEPUTY First Minister Kate Forbes has congratulated LibDems’ Angus MacDonald on becoming a Highlands MP as she shared a kind tribute to her outgoing colleague for leaving a “legacy” behind.
The SNP MSP took to social media to thank her colleague Drew Hendry who lost his Inverness, Skye and West Ross-shire seat to MacDonald after a recount on Saturday.
Forbes said that Hendry, who had been an MP since 2015, would leave a lasting legacy for his “pivotal” work in the Highlands as he drove job creation and tackled rising energy prices.
The former MP had launched the Highland Energy Rebate campaign which called for fairer energy charges.
In a post online Forbes said: “Very sorry to lose Drew Hendry as a Highland MP. I know that sadness is felt by many.
“His work on delivery charges, energy prices, inward investment and job creation has been pivotal. His work ethic, professionalism and determination to make a difference will leave a legacy.”
The Deputy First Minister also took the time to congratulate MacDonald on winning the seat as she called it the “largest and most diverse constituency in the UK”.
She added that she also looked forward to working with him on issues that cover the area.
MacDonald won the seat on Saturday after he gained a majority of 2160 over Hendry, although the SNP man had already conceded defeat after the recount delayed the result on Friday evening.
In a statement online after the result was declared Forbes said: “Congratulations to Angus MacDonald on winning the largest and most diverse constituency in the UK: Inverness, Skye and West Ross-shire.
“I look forward to working with you on issues that cover both our areas.”
