Highland councillor Sarah Fanet is bidding to become Scotland’s first ever transgender MSP representing Inverness, Nairn and Strathspey
The Highlands’ first transgender councillor is in the running to replace Fergus Ewing as the SNP candidate for Inverness and Nairn at next year’s Scottish Parliament election.
Councillor Sarah Fanet, who represents Fort William and Ardnamurchan, became the first openly trans elected official in Scotland when she won a by-election in December 2021, and earlier this year reportedly passed vetting by the party for a spot at Holyrood.
The Inverness and Nairn constituency includes all of Strathspey.
Councillor Fanet has since spoken at events like Highland Pride and Trans Day of Remembrance, albeit previously saying that she did not want her entire political identity to revolve around her transition.
Instead, she has campaigned for local primary schools and on issues such as marine conservation, chairing Highland Council’s climate change committee and sitting on their education, Gaelic and Lochaber committees too.
A musician and songwriter, Cllr Fanet is believed to be up against former equalities minister Emma Roddick and Elgin councillor Jérémie Fernandes for the nomination.
Ms Roddick is already at Holyrood as a list MSP, as well as also being part of the LGBTQ+ community and speaking alongside Cllr Fanet at Highland Pride and Trans Day of Remembrance, and previously told The Inverness Courier that she felt she “had more to do” in the capital.
A decision by the party on their candidate is expected this month, with the nominee taking over from Fergus Ewing MSP.
Mr Ewing confirmed last month that he would not be standing for the SNP at next year’s election after clashing with the party on a number of fronts over recent years, including opposing the party’s attempt to reform gender recognition in Scotland.
However, Mr Ewing has not ruled out standing in the election as an independent, meaning he could run against his SNP successor in the constituency.
