Independent councillor Lyall confirms she is seeking Lib Dem Holyrood candidacy
SHETLAND Central councillor Moraig Lyall has confirmed that she has put her name forward to be considered as the isles’ Liberal Democrat candidate at the forthcoming Holyrood elections.
Sitting MSP Beatrice Wishart announced earlier this year that she would not be seeking re-election for in May 2026.
Lyall, an independent councillor who chairs the SIC’s environment and transport committee, issued a short statement on Monday confirming that she was seeking to become the Lib Dem candidate.
Her newly updated councillor register of interests shows she joined the party on 16 March.
“When I was elected to the council, I was clear that I was a truly independent councillor with no affiliation to any political party,” Lyall said.
“However, I have today updated my council Register of Interests to show that I am now a member of the Liberal Democrats.
“Over recent months I have been encouraged to consider the vacancy for a Lib Dem candidate for the Holyrood election next year and, while initially hesitant, I decided to explore the opportunity and have now joined the party.
“The outcome of this competitive process will be announced by the party later in the year.”
However, speaking to Shetland News earlier on Monday, she would not confirm whether she had or would throw her hat into the ring.
The Lib Dems have won every Shetland election since the start of the Scottish Parliament in 1999 – while the party has reigned supreme in every general election vote in the Northern Isles since 1950.
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