'Rising star' is back in frame
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
The MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch looks after a sprawling constituency which takes in Dingwall and the Black Isle and has been an active campaigner.
Serving her first term as a politician after the 2016 Scottish Parliament elections, she is a finalist in the One to Watch category – “an award that recognises the MSP demonstrating the most potential to rise through the ranks”.
Ross Greer and Liam Kerr are the other two finalists.
The recognition was welcomed by Dave Thompson, her predecessor for the Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch seat.
He said: “Since being nominated last year, Kate has come on in leaps and bounds and is now a government minister.
“It is great for the Gaidhealtachd to have one of its own at the heart of government, especially a young woman with a strong Christian faith.
“Kate cares deeply about the Highlands and Islands and has a superb intellect balanced by unassuming modesty.”
Miss Forbes said: “I love putting the Highlands firmly on the political radar and these awards are a great way of reminding everybody in politics, the press and other spheres of my constituency.
“It’s an honour too. While politicians get a hard time, and rightly so on many occasions, I know that my colleagues and I do what we do out of a sense of public duty, genuine care for our constituencies and desire to see change.
“Fellow nominees Liam Kerr and Ross Greer are certainly like-minded in that regard.
“While the Politician of the Year awards is more light-hearted than most of my work, it is nice to have a little bit of affirmation that I’m doing the right thing.”
