Scottish Liberal Democrats have vowed to win back late leader Charles Kennedy’s seat from the SNP in next month’s election.
The party has selected Jean Davis to fight for the Ross, Sky and Lochaber seat, who leader Willie Rennie said had the tenacity of a Highland terrier.
Mr Rennie said Ms Davis exemplified Lib Dem values of openness, tolerance and a united Britain.
He said: “Jean will be a terrier for the Highlands and she will never give up on the big issues that face the Highlands.
“There is little doubt that she will provide a high quality service for local people.
“Jean has a powerful reputation and will certainly shake things up.
Ms Davis worked in occupational health before she became a councillor for Aird and Loch Ness.
She said: “I want to win back the seat for Charles Kennedy.
“Just like Charles I will passionately argue against independence and fight for the UK’s place in the European Union.
“The people of Ross, Skye and Lochaber deserve an MP who will put our area first, not independence.”
Ms Davis set out a range of policy priorities on transport and funding.
She said: “I will take action on issues from fuel costs to ferry fares and broadband to mobile phone coverage.
“I will speak for the Highlands against the centralisation of services to the central belt and ensure our area gets the funding it deserves for the NHS and council services – it has been short-changed by the SNP Government.
“I will campaign for road and rail improvements like the A82, A9 and the rail lines to Aberdeen and the central belt.”
Scottish Lib Dem general election campaign chairman Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP said the race was on between the Lib Dems and the SNP.
He said: “This seat is a straight race between the Liberal Democrats and the SNP.
“Jean Davis will provide a fresh voice for the people of Ross, Skye and Lochaber and deliver the change in the area that is needed.
“Liberal Democrats will be campaigning hard against another independence referendum and keeping the UK at the heart of Europe.”
Ian Blackford, the SNP candidate seeking re-election for Ross, Skye and Lochaber, commented: “While the Lib Dems bark aimlessly from the sidelines, day in and day out I have been representing the people of Ross, Skye and Lochaber and ensuring the community has a strong voice in Westminster.
“From opposing the UK government’s callous immigration policies, fighting for pension equality, securing existing jobs and creating hundreds more at the smelter site, securing investment for the new feed plant on Skye and revitalising the dry dock at Kishorn with 200 new jobs. It’s clear that as the Lib Dems put the constitution as their number one priority, my aim is to bring back jobs to the Highlands.
“It’s clear that at this election it is a choice between the SNP and the Tories. The Lib Dems have shown they’d rather jump in bed and coalition with the Tories rather than oppose their damaging policies. Only a vote for the SNP will ensure a strong and effective voice for communities and local jobs in Westminster.”