Former SNP MP Angus Robertson declares bid for Holyrood seat

The SNP’s former leader at Westminster has launched his campaign to contest the seat held by Ruth Davidson.

In a video filmed outside the Scottish Parliament, Angus Robertson officially declared his intention to run for Holyrood.

He first announced he is seeking the nomination for the Edinburgh Central seat in February.

Robertson faces a selection battle with SNP MP Joanna Cherry, who has also signalled her intention to run in the seat in May next year.

He said: “At present Ruth Davidson holds this seat for the Tories with a tiny 610-vote majority and I believe that I can win here with the support of SNP members and voters of all parties who don’t want to see the area represented by a pro-Brexit MSP.”

Robertson also talked up his connections to the area, saying: “I grew up in Edinburgh Central, I work here today, this is where I live.

“I understand the different issues that matter to people and communities right across Edinburgh Central.”

Robertson has been out of politics since he was defeated by Douglas Ross for his Moray constituency in 2017 and in the last three years founded the pro-independence think tank Progress Scotland.

Two Panelbase polls released in the past two months have put the SNP on course for a majority at Holyrood, while also showing 54% support for Scottish independence, when undecided voters are removed.