Edward Mountain MSP to stand down in 2026

Scottish Conservative MSP Edward Mountain has announced he will not be standing for re-election in 2026.

The Highlands and Islands MSP, who has represented the area since 2016, informed the party today that he won’t seek nomination ahead of the next Holyrood vote.

In a letter to leader Russell Findlay, Mr Mountain said being an MSP had been a “true honour” and that he would “serve faithfully” until the end of the current term.

However, he also lamented the state of Scottish politics, saying party political disputes and constitutional arguments are “holding Scotland back”.

Mr Mountain, 63, is also convener of the Scottish Parliament’s Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee and was Convener of the Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee from 2016-2021.

Prior to politics, he had a 12-year military career, worked as a chartered surveyor and runs a farm in the region.

The full text of his letter to Mr Findlay may be seen below.