Carmichael saddened by Scott’s resignation

Orkney and Shetland MP Alistair Carmichael has voiced his saddness at the resignation as leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats of re-elected MSP Tavish Scott.

Mr Carmichael said: “Obviously the election result last week was disappointing for everyone associated with the Scottish Liberal Democrats and I am saddened that Tavish has resigned as leader in these circumstances. As a close colleague and a friend I have worked with Tavish for many years and I know this was not a decision that he took lightly. I was chair of his leadership campaign and since his election he fulfilled the high expectations I had of him in the role.

“Tavish provided strong leadership at what has been a difficult time for the party and I know that he is still held in extremely high regard by our activists and party members. I fully expect that Tavish’s focus now will be on continuing to serve his constituents but I know he still has a substantial contribution to make in Scotland’s national politics.”