Scottish LibDems celebrate two by-election victories

6.01.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 24th Apr 2009

Scottish LibDems celebrate two by-election victories

Liberal Democrats are today celebrating two stunning by-election victories.

Alasdair Christie won in Inverness West, with a 21 per cent swing to the LibDems from the SNP.

Rosemary Bruce won in Aboyne, Upper Deeside & Donside ward, a fantastic achievement given that the Tories threw everything at holding this seat.

Commenting, Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Tavish Scott said, "These are two stunning triumphs for the LibDems. Rosemary Bruce will be a strong and focused councillor for Aboyne, Upper Deeside and Donside.

"Alasdair Christie will be an outstanding councillor for the area and I congratulate him on a great victory.

"Alasdair's result works out as a 21 per cent swing from the SNP to the LibDems.

"This sends a very strong message to the SNP Government that ignoring the needs of Inverness and ripping up manifesto commitments don't wash. We expect the Government to listen to the verdict of the people and get on with supporting improvements in the Highland area.

The SNP, for all their big talk, were hammered in Inverness.

"The Tories threw everything at the Aboyne by-election, but were still beaten by a strong local LibDem campaign.

"This is a fantastic day for Liberal Democrats. Two by-election victories are a real boost as we head into the European elections.

Here in Dundee, Liberal Democrat Councillor Helen Dick added, "These are two super results for the Scottish Liberal Democrats and I congratulate Rosemary and Alasdair."