Your thoughts on Kate Forbes MSP standing down; tributes to mum-of-two Emma Foster and Dingwall long-jumper holds on to record 40 years on
Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for the Economy and Gaelic, Kate Forbes MSP, has confirmed she will not seek re-election in the 2026 Scottish Parliament elections.
Daydream Draws said: “Politics aside, I went to school with Kate and have nothing but positive things to say about her.”
Stewart Ellinson commented: “As she says, she's grown up in the public eye and it must be wearing. I'm sure she'll continue to serve the community in other ways.”
Fiona Kelly said: “Sorry to see that, she did her bit for The Highlands, and honest MSP.”
Duncan Macpherson (Invereness councillor): “As a Highland MSP for the Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch constituency, Kate Forbes MSP has been a dedicated, principled and honourable MSP and one of the brightest and hardest working members of the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh.
“Regardless of each constituent’s own political views on party politics, I wish to put on record my own sincere appreciation for her invaluable input on many local issues and her decade of diligent public service to the communities of the Highlands that she was proud to represent.
“Now she can look forward to spending more time with her young family in a part of the country that she loves and cares deeply about. Thank You.”
Tina Cormack: “Such a pity don’t often get someone with principles they stick to. Brilliant lady a new vista awaits her bon chance!!!”
Malcolm Ferguson sees it differently: “SNP failure to dual the A9 and the A96. Ferry fiasco that Ms Forbes promised to sort. Expectant mothers having to travel to Raigmore from Wick. She didn't do much for the Highlands.”
Former Tain Royal Academy pupil and mum-of-two, Emma Foster (29), died at the scene of the one-vehicle crash near Lower Tullich, at 2am on July 30. Emma’s tragic death has sparked floods of tributes on social media.
Natalie Cormack said: “Such a beautiful girl inside and out. An outgoing, bubbly, hard-working person. We were all very lucky to have met her.”
Catherine Ross commented: “Absolutely heart-breaking! Beautiful young girl taken far too soon, my thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends at this very sad and extremely difficult time!”
Shirley Campbell stated: “So very sad. My thoughts are very much with her family and all that knew her. Also thinking of anyone who may have been on scene to help before the emergency services arrived of whom I’m also thinking of. You are all so amazing and brave to deal with these tradgedies, not just on the day but in the coming months too. Sudden death like this is the most awful to deal with, I’m truly thinking of everyone involved, especially her poor family.”
Linda Wright shared: “RIP Emma. Thoughts to all your family. My family went through similar, its so hard.”
Forty years ago, Jayne Barnetson raised the bar which no Scottish female athlete has been able to match since. Now looking back at her achievement, Barnetson (57) says she is in disbelief that she still holds the Scottish high jump record today.
Anda Urquhart shared: “She also had the course record for ladies at Strathpeffer golf course I believe! She was brilliant at every sport, watched her do keepy-ups at her granny's in Logie Place in Conon! Used to go watch her doing athletics, amazing athlete!”
Saz Shankland commented: “You were always talented in athletics Jayne, even in Primary school...pleased to know you still hold the title, its was well deserved.”
Annette Davidson stated: “Amazing athlete was in awe all through school, made the rest of us try harder that’s for sure!”
An earthquake measuring 3.1 magnitude on the Richter scale struck a Highland village on the afternoon of August 1.
Ryan Mann said: “I fell out my bed around about then, you sure it wasn't just that?
Kelly Falkiner commented: “What time at? Maybe it was people jumping up and down at Belladrum.”