Leadership debate

The Highland MSP says she is conscious of a ‘groundswell of support’ but she is still ‘weighing everything up’.

The Conservative and Labour leaders are spearheading efforts to topple the First Minister who vowed to ‘fight on’.

The 58-year-old is one of many midwives continuing to work under a Retire and Return scheme which helps the NHS to retain experienced staff.

SNP leadership hopefuls were questioned over a new vaccination policy amid concerns it will adversely impact rural communities.

There are concerns about a string of changes Scottish Government is bringing in.

Photos from the debate room and behind the scenes.

She says she wants to distance herself from the current 'messaging from SNP-Green government'

She says the Highlands is often not treated as favourably as some parts of the Central Belt

He gave his view on the SNP HQ crisis, ring-fencing and thanked The Inverness Courier for the debate

That is despite one questioner watching his wife die as he waited for an ambulance

Iona MacDonald joined Highland News and Media last summer. Here, the 17-year-old shares her experience of the debate as part of the social media team

The SNP leadership hopefuls were given an opportunity to cross-examine each of the other prospective leaders at Friday's Highland debate

Around 200 people attended the event to hear the candidates being questioned on matters that affect the Highlands and Moray.

The next First Minister was quizzed by the audience at the Inverness Courier Leadership Debate last night.

Last night's Inverness Courier Leadership Debate was met by a range of positive responses on social media.

We sought to place the Highlands and Moray firmly on the political agenda after years of neglect

The three candidates vying to become the next First Minister made a range of promises at a debate in the Highlands.

No commitment on A96 dualling timescale.

The prospect of Highland Council being broken up and replaced by smaller entities – including, for example, an Inverness City Council – was addressed.

All three candidates to be Scotland's next First Minister have promised to take action to improve delivery of A9 dualling.