Moray sees visits from SNP leader John Swinney, Conservative leader Russell Findlay, Labour leader Anas Sarwar and Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton

Big political figures have been flocking to Moray over the last two weeks.

The leaders of the SNP, Conservatives, Liberal Democrats and Labour all dropped in to the area ahead of the Elgin City South by-election.

Prompted by SNP councillor Graham Leadbitter’s resignation after becoming an MP, the vote tomorrow (Thursday, November 7) will see the public choose a new councillor.

First to visit the area was Tory leader Russell Findlay, supporting his party’s candidate Elaine Kirkby.

The visit was his first to the area since becoming party leader on September 27.

“I was delighted to be in Moray and meet local members who are enthusiastic for the campaign ahead,” Mr Findlay said.

“It was also great to go out and meet voters and to listen to the common sense, mainstream views of local residents.”

First Minister John Swinney and Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton both visited Elgin on Friday, November 1.

After his visit, which saw the MSP visit a development by local firm Springfield Properties, he took to social media to share his thoughts.

The First Minister said it had been “great to spend the day in Elgin”.

He also praised “fantastic” SNP candidate Laura Mitchell.

Mr Swinney added: “Local voters were receptive to the SNP message of standing up for Scotland and ensuring that communities have hard-working, diligent local councillors.”

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Mr Cole-Hamilton joined party activists out on the doorsteps that evening.

“People ignore Elgin and Moray all too often and I think that’s wrong. I love visiting,” he said.

“I love Elgin and meeting people in Elgin.

“They are the demographic that are swarming to the Lib Dems.

“We didn’t come up for a visit - that’s not how we campaign - we went to people, in their homes and on their streets.

“This is the first by-election since Labour’s honeymoon period ended and people will be looking to Elgin City South to see how the rest of the country is going.

“For us, it’s about offering a message of hope to the people of Elgin.”

The final politician to visit Moray was Scottish Labour Party leader Anas Sarwar.

During his visit to Elgin yesterday (Tuesday, November 5), Mr Sarwar met party activists, stopped off at new High Street cafe Norah’s, before meeting with Elgin BID.

He also toured projects associated with the regeneration of the town centre, as part of the Moray Growth Deal, and canvassed voters.

Mr Sarwar emphasised his family links to the area, and his support for Labour by-election candidate Catriona McBain.

“It's amazing being back in Elgin because this is a part of the country that has got a special place in my heart,” he said.

“It's a great community, but it has had its challenges, let's be honest about it.

“The town centre is not what it used to be and that's one of the reasons I was really keen we pursued the town centre plan. That's why it was part of the budget announcement, the £18 million for Elgin.

“We need to have an economic regeneration plan that delivers for local businesses, that delivers skills for local young people and that delivers the jobs of the future, so people can live here, thrive here, not feel as if they're forced to move away from here.

“And let's be honest, some of the health challenges in this part of the country are a big challenge for us, with the maternity unit at Dr Gray’s.”