Former Nat Ewing 'will still back indy' voters are warned

VOTERS in the Highlands have been warned Fergus Ewing will still back the SNP's "most divisive obsession" despite announcing plans to stand as an independent at next year's Scottish election.

- By Douglas Dickie

The rebel backbencher, who has been a massive critic of Nat leadership over the past decade, confirmed on Friday he will stand against the party next year.

Mr Ewing has condemned the SNP's failure to deliver on dualling of the A9 and A96 roads, and has also found himself on opposing sides to the party on North Sea oil and gas, and gender issues.

But Scottish Conservative MSP for the Highlands and Islands, Edward Mountain, said the veteran has been "prepared to stick with them for years, despite their numerous damaging failures".

Mr Ewing appeared on BBC Scotland's Sunday Show where he said that the SNP would "throw everything" at beating him in the Inverness and Nairn seat, joking "the kitchen sink and perhaps even the campervan".

He was alluding to the vehicle bought by the SNP which became a symbol of the Operation Branchform probe into party finances. He also said the party had "turned its back" on the people it is supposed to represent.