Scottish By-Elections 2026: SNP Holds Arbroath as Tories Clinch Aberdeen South in Historic Shift The SNP defended Arbroath and Broughty Ferry in a Scottish by-election, while the Conservatives secured a historic victory by seizing Aberdeen South from the nationalists.

The Scottish National Party retained Arbroath and Broughty Ferry during a dual set of Westminster by-elections, though a historic surge saw the Scottish Conservatives seize the energy hub of Aberdeen South from the nationalists.

The SNP secured a victory declaration in the Arbroath and Broughty Ferry by-election, concluding one of two critical Westminster battles staged in Scotland this week.

The local ballot emerged after SNP MP Stephen Gethins vacated his seat to enter Holyrood. Gethins originally captured the constituency with a narrow cushion of roughly 900 votes. He currently operates as the Scottish Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Energy.

Concurrently, Stephen Flynn exited his Aberdeen South post to assume the role of Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport.

Opposition figures from Labour, the Conservatives, and the Liberal Democrats contested both battlegrounds, aiming to leverage internal nationalist instability following recent leadership friction.

Polling stations operated from 7 AM until 10 PM on Thursday, June 18. Authorities declared the final tally just before 2 AM, validating an SNP defense as Lara Bird secured the Arbroath and Broughty Ferry seat.

Bird accumulated 9,802 votes, capturing a 40.39% portion of the total electorate. Bill Reid of Reform UK followed with 4,841 votes (19.95%), closely trailed by Conservative candidate Jack Cruickshanks with 4,524 votes (18.64%).

Meanwhile, the Conservatives celebrated a triumphant outcome in Aberdeen South, wrestling the constituency directly away from the SNP.

Overall turnout for the Arbroath and Broughty Ferry vote finished at 31.36%, marking a steep decline from the nearly 58% recorded during the 2024 general election cycle.

Future Outlook

The double by-election reshapes the dynamics between Holyrood and Westminster as the SNP navigates structural transitions under First Minister John Swinney. By elevating prominent figures like Stephen Flynn and Stephen Gethins directly into the Scottish Government cabinet, the party is centralizing its experienced leadership in Edinburgh ahead of future electoral cycles.

However, losing Aberdeen South to Conservative MSP Douglas Lumsden underscores a shifting electoral landscape in northeastern Scotland, particularly regarding North Sea energy policy. The Conservatives will look to use this momentum—their first Scottish by-election pickup in 59 years—to challenge nationalist dominance, while the SNP aims to recalibrate its platform to win back the energy corridor by 2029.

FAQs

Who won the Arbroath and Broughty Ferry by-election?

Lara Bird won the election for the SNP, securing 9,802 votes and maintaining the seat for her party with a 40.39% share of the total vote.

Why did the Scottish by-elections take place?

The votes were triggered because sitting SNP MPs Stephen Flynn and Stephen Gethins stepped down from Westminster to take up senior ministerial and cabinet positions within John Swinney’s Scottish Government at Holyrood.

What was historic about the Aberdeen South election result?

The victory by Conservative Douglas Lumsden marks the first time the political party has gained a seat during a Scottish Westminster by-election since 1967.

What was the voter turnout for the election?

Turnout for Arbroath and Broughty Ferry was 31.36%, which represents a significant decrease from the general election turnout of nearly 58% recorded in 2024.