Andrew Baxter
Candidate for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch
Andrew Baxter is a Highland community campaigner who lives in Kinlochleven and works in Fort William. He has spent much of his adult life standing up for rural communities and challenging decisions imposed on the Highlands from elsewhere. He ran the Kinlochleven Post Office for 18 years, serving local families and businesses and gaining first-hand insight into the challenges facing rural communities and small businesses.
Andrew was first elected as a councillor for the Fort William and Ardnamurchan ward in 2012 after becoming frustrated that too many decisions affecting Lochaber were being taken in Inverness rather than locally. He topped the poll and was re-elected in 2017 with double the number of votes, building a reputation as a determined local champion. During his time on the council he campaigned for fairer treatment for the Highlands, including pushing for long-overdue investment in the Corran Ferry and standing up for local communities when decisions were being made behind closed doors.
After stepping back from frontline politics in 2022, Andrew worked as a professional Highland tourist guide, sharing the region’s history, culture and landscapes with visitors from around the world. He later returned to public service as Chief of Staff to Highlands and Islands MP Angus MacDonald before being elected again to Highland Council in 2024 with nearly 60% of first-preference votes.
Andrew is standing for the Scottish Parliament because he believes the Highlands need a stronger voice in Holyrood. Too often policies affecting transport, healthcare, housing and local services are designed with the Central Belt in mind rather than rural Scotland. Living in Kinlochleven with his family, Andrew knows how important strong local services are. He wants to be a Highland voice in the Scottish Parliament, making sure rural communities are heard and never overlooked.
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