Two former MSPs are hoping to make a comeback at Holyrood in 2016 to help their party realise its dream of Home Rule for Scotland.
Mike Rumbles has been selected as the Liberal Democrat’s number one candidate on the north-east regional list ahead of sitting MSP Alison McInnes.
He served as the MSP for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine between 1999-2011 until the constituency was abolished by boundary changes and he was defeated by the SNP’s Dennis Robertson.
Mr Robertson is the MSP for Aberdeenshire West – a job Mr Rumbles, who opened a shop in Banchory after his election defeat, also wants.
Jamie Stone, a Tain councillor, has been selected as the party’s number one candidate on the Highlands and islands regional list.
He represented the Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross Holyrood constituency from 1999 until he retired in 2011.
Mr Stone decided to stand for Highland Council in 2012 because he had “been missing politics”.
Councillor Kate Stephen, who represents Culloden and Ardersier, is the party’s number two candidate on the Highland list.
Lib Dem leader Willie Rennie said that the early selection of candidates was a clear statement of intent from the party.
“We have a team of passionate, dedicated campaigners who are up for the fight and will be working hard for their regions every day between now and the next Holyrood elections.” he added.
“The new Home Rule powers Liberal Democrats are helping deliver for the Scottish Parliament mean it is more important than ever that we have a team of MSPs who will always stand up for their local area.”
The Lib Dems only won five Holyrood seats at the 2011 election, down from 16 in the 2007-2011 parliament.
The party will be hoping for a return to form but it is doubtful given current poll ratings, largely due to its role in the coalition UK Government and rise of Ukip south of the border.