Election returning officer confirms five candidates will fight it out for seat

The race to represent the Shetland constituency at Holyrood will be fought between the five already-confirmed candidates after the deadline for nominations closed this afternoon.

Incumbent Liberal Democrat MSP Tavish Scott is up against independent candidate Billy Fox, Labour’s Glasgow-based candidate Jamie Kerr, SNP Highland councillor Jean Urquhart and, standing for the Tory party, investment manager Sandy Cross.

Elections to the Scottish Parliament will take place on 5th May, the same day as a UK-wide referendum on the voting system used for Westminster elections. Voters will also be able to choose list candidates for the Highlands and Islands region.

Shetland’s returning officer Jan Riise said the SIC had set up a dedicated elections page on its website, at www.shetland.gov.uk/elections. He urged voters to register before a Friday 15th April deadline. Anyone wanting a postal vote should apply by Thursday 14th April, and to vote by proxy the deadline is Thursday 21st April. More information and forms are available at www.aboutmyvote.co.uk.