Highland Labour hopeful John Erskine kicks off bid to become MSP with attack on Fergus Ewing and Kate Forbes
Former Westminster and Holyrood hopeful John Erskine has launched his bid to become a Labour MSP at the 2026 Scottish Parliament elections with an attack on Fergus Ewing and Kate Forbes.
His announcement comes as the Highlands and Islands Scottish Labour Conference in Inverness is being staged with Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar expected to underline ‘the party’s commitment to delivering change for the region’.
Mr Erskine previously ran against Ms Forbes in the Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch constituency and former SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford in Ross, Skye and Lochaber.
A former member of Mr Sarwar’s Holyrood campaign cabinet and Scottish Labour Party spokesperson for Transport, Connectivity and the Islands, Mr Erskine has been actively engaged in addressing the unique challenges faced by the Highlands and Islands.
Previously he supported Highlands and Islands MSPs David Stewart and Rhoda Grant on constituency campaigns and issues and most recently was a communications manager in the Scottish Parliament.
Mr Erskine said: "As we approach the next Scottish Parliament elections in 2026, I'm standing again to fight for the Highlands and Islands and help deliver a Scottish Labour government led by Anas Sarwar—one that won't leave our region behind.
“I’ve worked across Scotland’s private sector, supporting businesses post-COVID, and in the public sector, serving communities from Elgin to Unst and from Castlebay to Campbeltown.
"With the 2026 Scottish Parliament election ahead, I’m asking for Scottish Labour Party members across the region to support my campaign and to deliver the kind of representation the Highlands and Islands deserve.”
Now a father, Erskine has a personal commitment to a better future for families across the region.
“People here need a dependable NHS close to home, schools that support every child and ferry services they can count on. Commitments like the A9 dualling must be delivered.” says Erskine.
“The socially conservative views of the SNP’s Fergus Ewing and Kate Forbes don’t reflect Highlanders like us. It’s time for a future where the Highlands and Islands can truly thrive.”
