Islands MSP Alasdair Allan has been selected as the Scottish National Party candidate for Na h-Eileanan an Iar for the 2026 Holyrood election. 

Dr Allan has served the Western Isles as their constituency MSP since 2007 whilst serving in government under various portfolios. 

He has been selected to fight the seat again by Western Isles SNP branch members, which Alasdair has gratefully accepted. 

Angus MacDonald, the SNP’s Constituency Branch Chair for the Western Isles said:

"As a branch, we are delighted to have Alasdair's candidacy confirmed. Everyone who knows him can testify to his hard work, loyalty and integrity in his years serving the constituency since he was first elected 2007. We know he will stand up for the islands on issues from Gaelic to fishing to transport, and ensure our voices are heard.

"We are all very much looking forward to getting our sleeves rolled up and campaigning for Alasdair Allan and the SNP in 2026. We are driven by a desire to offer real hope to all Scotland's people- a hope that independence can deliver."

Following the announcement, Alasdair commented: 

“I am honoured that the SNP Western Isles branch has selected me for a fifth consecutive time to be their candidate for this extraordinary constituency. 

“Since 2007 I have sought to be a strong voice for these islands in our national parliament, and I hope the people of Na h-Eileanan an Iar continue to place their trust in me to continue doing so in May 2026. 

“The Scottish National Party will always put the interests and needs of Scotland, not Westminster first. For too long our islands have held back by austerity and Brexit, first by the Tories and now by Labour. 

“Therefore, in the coming months, weeks and days, I look forward to spreading the positive case for an independent Scotland inside the EU and the benefits it will bring to our islands.”