Tavish Scott's bid to lead the Scottish Liberal Democrats was given a huge boost today when two former party Leaders declared their support.   The former UK leader Sir Menzies Campbell and ex-Deputy First Minister Jim Wallace will vote for him in the three-way fight with Ross Finnie and Mike Rumbles. 

It certainly means that the favourite tag is now justified, because both Menzies Campbell and Jim Wallace are hugely admired by Lib Dem members and their judgement will count for something.  Ross Finnie has the backing of Lord Steel - the former Liberal Leader and Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament - so he cannot be counted out.  He is also probably better known within the party having been around a long time.   

But one long time friend of Mr Finnie, will be backing Mr Scott. Menzies Campbell said: "He's got energy,he's got drive, he's got committment and of course he's got experience because he's been in government. He's got all the qualities which are necessary to make sure that the Liberal Democrats now provide the effective opposition in the Scottish parliament. 

It is a one member one vote election which, makes it more difficult to call. If no-one  wins a majority of the votes on the first ballot  the candidate in third place will drop out and his second preference votes will be distributed between the other two.  

Mike Rumbles looks likelt to come third, so how his votes split will be crucial - if they go overwhelmingly to one candidate that could be decisive.  While Ross Finnie cannot be counted out, Tavish Scott will certainly be the bookies favourite after today.