Highland Conservatives Select Donald MacKenzie as Holyrood Candidate for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross
The Highland Conservatives have selected Donald MacKenzie as their candidate for the Caithness, Sutherland and Ross constituency in the 2026 Scottish Parliament election. This follows the previous candidate, Cllr Elaine Kirby, stepping down.
Donald was born on a family farm just outside Inverness and educated at Millburn School and Inverness Royal Academy. After qualifying as an accountant in Edinburgh and working in London, he returned to Inverness in 2001 to establish his own business advising and supporting companies across the Highlands. He is married with four sons.
Donald's roots in the area run deep. His grandfather left the family croft in Badluarach to settle near Inverness, and his mother was born in Lairg. Donald spent many childhood holidays with family in Lairg, Gairloch, Balintore and Applecross - and still returns regularly.
Speaking on his selection, Donald said:
"I am delighted to be selected as the Scottish Conservative candidate for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross and to have the opportunity to represent the party at what is a crucial Holyrood election with many MSPs standing down and seats changing hands."
"This is a seat I care deeply about - my family's roots here go back generations, and I know first-hand what makes these communities so special. I will campaign on the issues that matter most: reversing the root causes of depopulation by improving access to housing that is affordable, improved transport and infrastructure and better access to vital care services for those living and working in the far north."
Former list MSP for the Highlands and Islands, Edward Mountain, said:
“I have known Donald for a long time and I fully support his candidacy for Holyrood. He and I share a passion for ensuring Caithness Sutherland and Ross are properly represented and I am confident that he will be a strong and united voice for the far north during this campaign.”