SNP Wins Shetland Seat, Ending Liberal Democrat Hold

On 8 May 2026, SNP candidate Hannah Mary Goodlad was declared the winner of the Shetland constituency in the Scottish Parliament election. She received 5,453 votes (?47 % of the ballot), beating Liberal Democrat council leader Emma Macdonald, who obtained 3,936 votes (?34 %). Goodlad’s margin of about 1,500 votes ends a Liberal-Democratic streak that began when the party first captured the seat in 1999.

BBC NewsEmma Macdonald says Liberal Democrats congratulates SNP’s Hannah Mary Goodlad on Scottish parliamentary victory but promises to ‘constructively’ hold new MSP to accountSNP claims its first Shetland win in a Holyrood election as Hannah Mary Goodlad claims victorySNP’s Hannah Mary Goodlad breaks Lib Dem hold on ShetlandSHETLAND ELECTS: Counting to begin for Scottish parliamentary election to decide Shetland’s next MSP

Shetland has been represented by Liberal or Liberal-Democratic MSPs since the Scottish Parliament opened and by Liberal MPs at Westminster since 1950. Tavish Scott and Beatrice Wishart held the seat; Wishart won a 2019 by-election but did not stand in 2026. Goodlad, a former Equinor employee who runs a mobile sauna business, entered politics without prior elected experience. Macdonald, Liberal Democrat candidate, is independent leader of Shetland Islands Council.

SNP claims its first Shetland win in a Holyrood election as Hannah Mary Goodlad claims victory

The count recorded 11,484–11,535 votes, with turnout at 64 %. Goodlad’s 5,453 votes gave the SNP a 5.6-point rise, while the Liberal Democrats fell 14.3 points, a ten-point swing to the SNP.

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Goodlad said the result gave her a very clear mandate from Shetland and vowed to amplify Shetland’s voice in Holyrood. Liberal Democrat MP Alistair Carmichael congratulated the SNP. Polling expert Sir John Curtice said Lib Dem decline meant a 14-point drop for Lib Dem vote and a 16-point gain for SNP. Macdonald said the Liberal flame would continue to burn, though it may have dimmed. Labour’s John Erskine described contest as a two-horse race between SNP and Liberal Democrats.

BBC NewsEmma Macdonald says Liberal Democrats congratulates SNP’s Hannah Mary Goodlad on Scottish parliamentary victory but promises to ‘constructively’ hold new MSP to accountSNP’s Hannah Mary Goodlad breaks Lib Dem hold on ShetlandSNP claims its first Shetland win in a Holyrood election as Hannah Mary Goodlad claims victorySHETLAND ELECTS: Counting to begin for Scottish parliamentary election to decide Shetland’s next MSP

Sources differ on the total number of votes counted (11,484 vs. 11,535) and on the precise turnout percentage (64 %, 64.16 %, 64.2 %). No source provided a breakdown of regional-list votes for the constituency.

SHETLAND ELECTS: Counting to begin for Scottish parliamentary election to decide Shetland’s next MSP

• “That's the very very clear mandate that Shetland has given me,” — Hannah Mary Goodlad, SNP candidate

BBC News

• “I look forward to working constructively between Holyrood and Westminster because when we put our islands first, and Shetland first, cross party collaboration could actually achieve something very special for the place that we call home.” — Hannah Mary Goodlad, SNP MSP-elect

SNP’s Hannah Mary Goodlad breaks Lib Dem hold on Shetland

• “This was a hard-fought campaign and while this will be the first time that Shetland will not be represented by a Liberal Democrat in the Scottish parliament, the Liberal flame will continue to burn, though it may have dimmed.” — Emma Macdonald, Liberal Democrat candidate

Emma Macdonald says Liberal Democrats congratulates SNP’s Hannah Mary Goodlad on Scottish parliamentary victory but promises to ‘constructively’ hold new MSP to account

• “The people have made their choice. And congratulations to Hannah Mary on that victory. She has promised a great deal…so the community will expect these promises to be honoured.” — Alistair Carmichael, Liberal Democrat MP for Orkney and Shetland

SNP’s Hannah Mary Goodlad breaks Lib Dem hold on Shetland

A resident noted Goodlad’s “terrific effort” and community commitment were key reasons for voting for her, highlighting the campaign’s visibility and personal engagement.

SNP claims its first Shetland win in a Holyrood election as Hannah Mary Goodlad claims victory

Goodlad plans to open a local office in Shetland and deliver a 100-day programme for island interests in Holyrood. Liberal Democrats say they will monitor her performance and maintain presence, while parties prepare for next Scottish Parliament session in May 2027.

SNP’s Hannah Mary Goodlad breaks Lib Dem hold on Shetland