Double Victory For SNP In Fife

Scottish Labour suffered a double defeat as the SNP triumphed in last night's Fife council by-elections.

Sharon Wilson took Dunfermline MP Douglas Chapman's old seat in Rosyth, where just 288 votes stood between Labour and the Nationalists.

Ian Ferguson retained former councillor David Mogg's place in Dunfermline North. Cllr Mogg announced his retirement in October.

The Scottish Conservatives came third in both votes, with UKIP beating the Green Party by 37 votes in Rosyth. Liberal Democrat candidates came 4th in both elections. 

Turnout in Rosyth was 24.66%, down from 35.54% in 2012. 

Dear to my heart

Cllr Wilson said: "Rosyth and North Queensferry are very dear to my heart and I have achieved a lot for the community over recent years.

"I know success only comes when people work together. That's the way I work and I want to prove to the people of Rosyth and North Queensferry that anything that has been achieved to date is only the start. There is much work to be done and I am ready to roll up my sleeves and get on with the job."

Similarly in Dunfermline North, voter numbers dropped from 37.55% in 2012 to 24.06%. 

Cllr Ferguson said "I want to sincerely thank the people of Dunfermline North and for the confidence they've have shown in the SNP to represent them in Fife Council.

"There will be many challenges ahead but they have a strong voice on Fife Council and I am determined that I will will work with all parts of the community to take Dunfermline forward."

Full results

Rosyth:

Sharon Wilson - SNP - 1214
Vikki Fairweather - Scottish Labour Party - 926
David Ross - Scottish Conservative and Unionist - 245
Matthew Hall - Scottish Liberal Democrats - 97
Colin Mitchelson - UKIP - 88
Alastair Macintyre - Independent - 66
Carianne Louise MacDonald - Scottish Green Party - 51

Dunfermline North:

Ian Ferguson - SNP - 1056
Joe Long - Scottish Labour Party - 719
James Reekie - Scottish Conservative and Unionist - 304
James Calder - Scottish Liberal Democrats - 230
Lewis Alan Campbell - Scottish Green Party - 63
Cholanne Dodds - UKIP - 58