Kate Forbes issues statement over 'incredibly difficult' General Election for SNP

DEPUTY First Minister Kate Forbes has said she is “gutted” after an “incredibly difficult” night for SNP as the fate of a Highland constituency was delayed until tomorrow.

The SNP MSP took to social media to show her support to her colleagues who were not elected following a poor showing for the party in the General Election as they returned only 9 MPs – 37 less than in 2019.

Some big names have lost their seats including Tommy Sheppard, Joanna Cherry, Gavin Newlands and John Nicolson to name a few.

Inverness, Skye and West Ross-Shire candidate Drew Hendry, who has been an MP since 2015, will have to wait until tomorrow to learn his fate as a recount is scheduled for 10.30am.

READ MORE: Stephen Flynn says SNP 'must listen' as he holds on to Aberdeen seat

Forbes, who represents a Highlands constituency at Holyrood, took to social media to promise to rebuild the lost trust with voters while saying she is “gutted” to see her colleagues go.

The statement online said: “Its been an incredibly difficult night for the SNP.

“On a personal level, I’m gutted to see good people lose their seats. On a party level, we’ve got to rebuild trust with the electorate. John Swinney promised we will listen, work with new UKG & focus on serving Scotland well.”

She added: “Huge congrats to Brendan O'Hara and Graham Leadbitter for their election wins, both sharing parts of my constituency.

“Gutted that Lucy Beattie didn’t win - an outstanding candidate I hope we’ll see more of.

“All eyes on the outcome of the final Highland seat tomorrow.”

Hendry will have to see off the LibDems' Angus Macdonald for the constituency seat.