Tain and Easter Ross by-election result

The five-cornered by-election for Tain and Easter Ross (Ward 8) on The Highland Council has resulted in a victory for Mrs Fiona Robertson, Independent.

Mrs Robertson, a project consultant for communities who lives at Tigh-na-sonas, Newton, Tain, said: "I am absolutely delighted to have been elected to serve Tain and Easter Ross and would like to thank all who placed their trust in me by voting for me.  I have always worked hard for this area and will ensure that its needs and aspirations are fought for."

The turn out was 36.4% and the total number of valid votes cast was 2,519.

The by-election was held following the death of Councillor Alan Torrance (SNP).

Mrs Robertson joins Councillor Alasdair Rhind and Richard Durham, both Independent, in representing Ward 8 on the Council.

The make up of the Council (80 members) before the by-election was:  Independent, 24 members;  Liberal Democrat, 20 members; SNP, 18 members; Labour, 7 members;  Independent Members Group, 6; and Independent Alliance Group, 4.

The count was held at the Duthac Centre, Tain.

Michael Herd (Independent), was eliminated at the end of stage one, with 97votes.   

His votes were then redistributed and Antony Gardner (Liberal Democrat) was eliminated at the end of stage 2 with 318 votes. 

Mr Gardner's votes were then redistributed and Ruairidh Mackenzie, Independent, was eliminated at the end of stage 3 with 547 votes.

At the final stage, Mrs Robertson had 1,204 votes, and Derek Louden, Scottish National Party, had 1,037 votes.