Highland

A Lib Dem vacancy in the historically Independent Highlands proved the perfect opportunity to add to the non-partisan bloc on the council.

The Lib Dems are given a clearer run at winning the seat vacated by one of their own councillors, as a popular Independent chooses not to attempt a return.

A Highland surprise with no strong Independent results leads to an easy SNP victory over partially strengthened Conservatives, and an unexpectedly solid third place for the Greens.

The first of a spate of “councillor elected in May becomes an MP in June” by-elections back in 2017 saw a popular Lib Dem pave the way for the speedy return of a local Independent.

The very sad passing of a Conservative councillor gives one of the final by-elections of the term everyone would rather not have had to hold, which is likely to be won by either the SNP or a typical Highland Independent.

A double-dunter of Independent resignations led to a similar double for the Lib Dems, who picked up one expected and one surprise win.

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.

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?

What could have been a tight contest in this ward, and looked wafer-thin on first preferences, was a good old-fashioned romp home for an Independent candidate, in true Highland style.