A man “relighting the beacon of Liberalism” spoiled the SNP’s hopes of repeating a hat-trick at Ross County last night.
Former Liberal Democrat MSP and current Highland councillor Jamie Stone defeated the SNP’s Paul Monaghan to seize the Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross seat at Westminster.
Moments after the result was declared, Mr Monaghan addressed a crowd at the Highland election count, at the Dingwall sports stadium in the early hours, indicating that he knew his fate well before the final whistle.
Fury in the constituency over health reforms that saw the “downgrading” of maternity services played a part in his defeat, with the SNP consistently defending the recent controversial shake-up of Caithness General Hospital.
Confirming he would stand down as a newly re-elected Highland councillor for his Westminster role, Mr Stone said: “It is a source of colossal pride to me that I have played a part in relighting the beacon of Liberalism in the Highlands.”
It was a passionate response to the 2015 election that saw three Lib Dem giants ousted – Charles Kennedy, Danny Alexander and John Thurso.
Mr Monaghan, reading from a pre-prepared speech, said it had been a privilege to meet so many of his constituents during his brief spell as an MP.
Congratulating Mr Stone, he said: “While I’ve not been elected, my SNP colleagues who have been elected across the country represent the continuation of a dramatically changed political landscape in Scotland.”