THE Scottish LibDems have won the Wick and East Caithness by-election in the Highlands
The announcement was made at the Assembly Rooms in Wick on Friday morning.
The Liberal Democrat candidate, Susan Calder, received 1522 votes, with her nearest rival, the Independent candidate Dave Buchanan, receiving 714 votes.
John Glen (SNP) came third with 424 votes, followed by Iain Richmond (Reform UK) on 283 and Charlotte Gibson (Conservative) on 79.
The Wick and East Caithness councillor said: “I’d like to thank the returning officer, I would like to thank everybody in the room who have made all this possible, but most of all I’d like to thank the team behind me who have pushed me and encouraged me.
“Now the hard work starts, and we do it all again next year. Thank you to everybody who voted for me for putting their trust in me.”
Massive congratulations to our victorious candidate Julie Calder! Another massive win for Liberal Democrats in the Highlands, and this time in the ward represented by the SNP leader of the council🔶🔶🔶 https://t.co/ZdbT5froJ3
— Alex Cole-Hamilton🔶🇺🇦 (@agcolehamilton) October 2, 2026
Reacting to the result, Scottish LibDem leader Alex Cole-Hamilton said: "Massive congratulations to our victorious candidate Julie Calder!
"Another massive win for Liberal Democrats in the Highlands, and this time in the ward represented by the SNP leader of the council."
