Parties announce candidates for Tavish Scott’s Shetland seat

A by-election in Shetland to replace outgoing Liberal Democrat MSP Tavish Scott has been confirmed for August 29, with the Scottish Conservatives today announcing its candidate.

Scottish Parliament officials confirmed the date with Shetland representatives earlier this week, after Scott announced he was resigning to take up a post as head of external affairs at Scottish Rugby.

The Scottish Tories told Holyrood today its candidate for the by-election would be Shetland Island resident Brydon Goodlad.

In 2010 Goodlad faced the Lerwick Sheriff Court over allegations he shouted and swore at football match officials, challenging one to a fight, during a game between Whitedale and Scalloway.

The Shetland Times reported Goodlad was charged with breaching the peace, and ordered to pay £600. He apologised in court, but sheriff Graeme Napier labelled the behaviour “disgraceful”.

A Scottish Tories spokesperson told Holyrood that Goodlad “was completely up front about that incident and we’re entirely confident in his abilities going forward”.

Goodlad, a father of three who works in building and lives in the village of Walls, said it was a "priviledge" to be selected as the Conservatives' candidate.

"People in Shetland are fed up of the SNP and fed up with the constant threats of another independence referendum. There are other issues of concern here too, not least in relation to large-scale windfarms," he said.

"I have lived here all my life and want to see the best-quality delivery of the services that me and my family rely on day in, day out, and be a champion for my local community in Holyrood. Across the country the Scottish Conservatives have proved they are the only ones who can stand up to the SNP, and that is going to be the case here in Shetland too."

The Lib Dems announced Shetland Islands councillor Beatrice Wishart as its candidate. Wishart is the council’s deputy convener and she represents Lerwick South ward.

She said: “I’ve lived and worked in Shetland most of my life and I’m keenly aware of the issues that need to be addressed. Islanders want to see fair funding for our ferries, more NHS services provided at home in Shetland, swift improvements to broadband coverage and all nurseries being given the resources and support they need to increase the amount of childcare available in our communities.”

Endorsing Wishart, Scott said: “She knows island issues, listens well, has a strong track record of getting things done for people.”

Two other Shetland Council members, Ryan Thomson and Ian Scott, announced they would run as independents in the by-election.

The Scottish Labour Party announced The Shetland Times accountant Johan Adamson as its candidate. Adamson told the local paper she was “relishing the opportunity to put local concerns at the forefront of the campaign.”

UKIP announced it would put forward Stuart Martin to contest the seat.

The SNP told Holyrood the party planned to announce its candidate tomorrow.