Former SNP MSP Fergus Ewing Runs Independent in Inverness, Threatens Party Stronghold

Fergus Ewing, a long-serving SNP MSP and former Cabinet minister, has announced he will run as an independent candidate in the 2026 Holyrood election for Inverness and Nairn, citing his party's failures on key local issues such as the dualling of the A9 and A96 roads and dissatisfaction with the SNP's direction. Ewing's decision to leave the SNP after around 50 years of membership and stand against the party's selected candidate Emma Roddick has been met with sadness by SNP figures including First Minister John Swinney, who called Ewing's move unnecessary and pledged to fight hard to retain the seat. Ewing criticized the SNP for losing touch with its traditional values and for focusing on issues irrelevant to many Scots, asserting his intent to raise parliamentary standards and represent his constituents more effectively. The SNP has rescinded Ewing's membership, removed his party whip, and plans to contest the seat vigorously, fearing that his independent bid could split the nationalist vote and risk the seat falling to a pro-union candidate. Ewing's challenge highlights internal divisions within the SNP and signals a potentially contentious election battle in a previously safe party stronghold. His campaign has been described as a significant headache for the SNP, with Ewing confident in his personal vote and determined to win despite party opposition.