Kate Forbes MSP in running for rising star accolade for second year in row
Lochaber’s Kate Forbes is one of three MSPs in the running for the rising star award at the annual Scottish Politician of the Year awards, writes Mark Entwistle.
The MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch – who is serving her first term as a politician after the 2016 Scottish Parliament elections – is a finalist in the One to Watch category for the second year in a row.
The award recognises the MSP who demonstrates the most potential to rise through the ranks of their party and/ or in Parliament.
Ross Greer and Liam Kerr are the other two finalists.
The annual ceremony – in its 20th year – takes place in Edinburgh on the evening of November 22.
The recognition for Ms Forbes at a national level has been welcomed by Dave Thompson, her predecessor for the Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch seat.
Mr Thompson commented: ‘Kate cares deeply about the Highlands and Islands and has a superb intellect balanced by unassuming modesty.
‘The people of Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch are fortunate indeed to have her as their MSP.’ And Ms Forbes said: ‘I love putting the Highlands firmly on the political radar and these awards are a great way of reminding everybody in politics, the press and other spheres of my constituency.
‘Of course, it’s an honour too. While politicians get a hard time, and rightly so on many occasions, I know that my colleagues and I do what we do out of a sense of public duty, genuine care for our constituencies and desire to see change.
‘Fellow nominees Liam Kerr and Ross Greer are certainly like-minded in that regard.’