It’s in the balance as power struggle begins

THE reins of power at Highland Council were still up for grabs last night after a day of shocks and a late recount.

The Independents were the big winners as the new-look local authority emerged – but there were setbacks for the SNP.

Talks on the formation of a new administration could last several days, but speculation was already mounting that the status quo could be maintained with the Independents, Liberal Demo- crats and Labour teaming-up to keep the Nationalists in opposition.

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