The Scottish Liberal Democrats have elected Tavish Scott as their new leader.

Tavish Scott received 59% of first preference votes while Ross Finnie received 23.1% and Mike Rumbles received 17.9% of first preference votes.

As Tavish Scott received more than half the votes cast he was declared to have been elected by the Returning Officer.

Speaking after the results were declared at Murrayfield Stadium, Tavish Scott said:

“Thank you for this, the gold medal in the Lib Dem Olympics.

“I’m with Chris Hoy. I’m comfortable and confident in being part of a federal political party. Team Lib Dem – Scottish MP’s, MSP’s, MEP’s and councillors across the country working together to build a stronger party,
a stronger Scotland, and yes a stronger UK.

“Team Scott, as with our athletes, has only won because of the support staff. Like Chris Hoy, victory would not have been achieved without them. Thank you.

“Today, I am clear in my mind about the challenge ahead -

“And the opportunities that this challenge presents.

“The tectonic plates of Scottish politics really are shifting.

“And when they stop I am determined that the Liberal Democrats will be a dominant presence on the political landscape.

“Our values of community, liberty and fairness locked into 21st century Scotland.

“After less than eighteen months in government, the SNP is riding high in the polls.

“They’re popular but here’s my prediction:

“By 2010, they won’t be.

“We can already see underlying weaknesses that will undo Alex Salmond.

“What looks confident, sure-footed and wily today -

“Will be seen as arrogant, misguided, and politically dishonest tomorrow.

“Spin is the hallmark of this government.

“But spin has a shelf-life.

“The other day Mr Salmond ended weeks of dither by announcing what he would do to help the housing market -

“Double-count government investment in affordable homes-

“And then land cash-starved councils with the bill.

“This is the man who attacks Gordon Brown with venom.

“But the truth is they're two of a kind.

“Faced with a problem, their instincts are the same -

“Dither and Macdither.

“Same tactics, same flaws, same admiration of Margaret Thatcher.

“When Scotland votes in the coming election, people will be looking for a party that understands their needs, that offers solutions to their problems and that is ready to lead - throughout Scotland.

“I made it clear during this leadership campaign that I won’t rest until it is crystal clear that the Scottish Liberal Democrats fit that bill.

“My election today is not a prescription for more of the same.

“It’s a mandate for change.

“Change that locks in Liberal values. That’s why we’ll continue to make the case for protecting our environment, improving our public services and taking back our civil liberties.

“Those are core liberal principles:

“They are right and they are just.

“But if this party is to take advantage of the changing political climate, we must move outside our comfort zone- away from the Holyrood bubble.

“We must engage individuals, families and communities about the problems that they face in their daily lives.

“And we must provide the big ideas – the practical solutions – that will make life easier for them.

“Scotland needs new ideas to grow the economy.

“Fresh thinking to solve the housing crisis.

“And real solutions for families who are struggling to meet the rising cost of food and fuel. Solutions for Scotland.

“I want our party to turn to those issues with renewed energy and vigour.

“To speak with business and industry, to the academic and voluntary sectors, to campaign and consumer groups.

“But above all, above all, to Scotland’s people.

“To hear from them what help they really need –

“To hear what we may not have heard before.

“And to respond.

“To ensure that the Scottish Parliament has the powers to act or the foresight to devolve power to communities and individuals so that they can take decisions for themselves.

“That's the role that our party will play:

“To provide real solutions for Scotland.

“For me, this is very personal.

“I come from Shetland.

“A place where people come together and work to solve the problems facing our community.

“Not just because we need to, but because we want to.

“So I make this pledge today.

“I will bring a little bit of Shetland to the leadership.

“I will work day and night to build the team, produce the ideas and grow the party that will earn Scotland's trust.

“The Liberal Democrats contributed the brightest and the best ideas in Scotland's first eight years of devolution.

“I know that we can do that again -

“That the successes we have achieved are a starting point, and not an end.

“So, the hard work begins now.

“And I’m ready for the challenge.

“I’m grateful to have received the support of so many Liberal Democrats from across Scotland.

“It’s a particular honour to have won given the choice that party members had.

“Ross Finnie and Mike Rumbles are formidable candidates who have fought excellent campaigns.

“And I very much look forward to working with them to take our party forward in the months and years ahead -

“Building on the dedicated work and commitment of Nicol Stephen and I would like to thank him on behalf of all our party.

“Alistair Carmichael has managed my campaign. To him my gratitude.

“Tomorrow I look forward to cheering Scotland’s Olympic athletes in Edinburgh. I’ll also visit Glenrothes to take the political fight to my opponents.

“This is our time but only we can make it so.

“Join me, in Edinburgh, in Glenrothes, across Scotland and together we can make the Liberal Democrats the party of the future. That is the challenge.

“Are you up for it?

“I am.”