The SNP tightened its grip on the Highlands – winning in Inverness and Nairn and the Caithness, Sutherland and Ross seats.
Veteran Nationalist government minister Fergus Ewing, who increased his majority, said: “I’m delighted to be re-elected. With a majority of 11,000 it’s a bit more secure than the 441 that I started off with.
“I hope it’s because I work hard for constituents who seek my help and also because I think the SNP has demonstrated we’re a party that stands up for Scotland, but also works hard for the Highlands and delivers.”
Labour’s David Stewart, who was knocked into third place behind Conservative Edward Mountain, was gracious in defeat.
The veteran politician was 60 on Thursday.
He told the Press and Journal: “Clearly, from the early results it wasn’t going to be Labour’s evening.
“Actually our vote was very similar to what it was five years ago. We haven’t had the list results yet but it doesn’t look great for me as number two on the list.
“These things are difficult. The national picture has not been good for us and I’m obviously disappointed.”
New Caithness, Sutherland and Ross MSP Gail Ross offered huge thanks to all those who had supported her on the campaign trail and with their votes.
She said: “I’ve been a member of the SNP since 1997. I never envisaged I would be standing in a Scottish Parliament election and winning it. So it’s a very special night indeed.
“It was a pleasant surprise. We put a lot of work in, but never took anything for granted.”
As for her priorities at Holyrood, she said: “The thing that’s come up time and time again is housing – keeping our young people here, attracting families into our communities that have kids that means our schools are viable, making land available for that housing.
“The Land Reform Bill will go a long way to doing that.”