A double-dunter of Independent resignations led to a similar double for the Lib Dems, who picked up one expected and one surprise win.
By-elections
By-Election Result: Dalry and West Kilbride
An easy victory for the Conservatives following an SNP vacancy in a ward that had been dominated by Independent candidates in 2017.
By-Election Result: East Livingston and East Calder
A contest arising from the sad passing of a very long serving Labour councillor led to an unsurprising SNP victory, but surprise second place for Conservatives and growth for Greens.
By-Election Preview: Mid-Formartine (Aberdeenshire) 19th of August 2021
An SNP Councillor becoming an MSP has triggered a by-election in a wad the Conservatives would have easily won in 2017 – but they could yet pull an Ellon and hold the seat.
By-Election Preview: Dalry and West Kilbride (North Ayrshire) 12th of August 2021
An SNP resignation triggers an unpredictable contest in a ward that was remarkably Independent-leaning for a Central Belt ward in 2017.
By-Election Preview: Wick and East Caithness (Highland) 12th of August 2021
A second Highland by-election in the one day prompted by an Independent resignation, this may have opened the way for a former Independent councillor to return.
By-Election Preview: Inverness West (Highland) 12th of August 2021
Following the resignation of an Independent, the Lib Dems would appear on 2017 results to be favourites in this by election. But can they count on a party vote, or is their serving councillor elected on a personal basis?
By-Election Preview: East Livingston and East Calder (West Lothian) 5th of August 2021
A second Livingston by-election of the year follows the passing of a long-serving Labour councillor. 2017 results here look very similar to that other by-election – so will the outcome here follow with an SNP win despite Labour winning the 2017 recalc?
By-Election Result: Murdostoun
A by-election saw an Independent keeping the seat in the family, as a son succeeded his late father in a storming victory that left the SNP and Labour in the dust.
By-Election Result: East Garioch
An expected victory for the Conservatives in a ward they’d led in 2017, against a backdrop of Greens and Lib Dems unable to rely on their candidate’s personal votes this time.