Councillor Ruraidh Stewart has represented Eilean a’ Cheo since 2022. He is the Leader of the Scottish Conservative Group on Highland Council.
Ruraidh has also been selected as the Scottish Conservative candidate for Inverness, Skye and West Ross-Shire in the upcoming General Election.
Ruraidh grew up in Skye and Lochalsh before going on to attend the University of St Andrews. After graduating, Ruraidh returned to his family croft and stood for election.
Having grown up in a rural area, Ruraidh understands how frustrating it is for small communities and their issues to be ignored in favour of cities. That's why he is so passionate about being a strong voice for his ward.
Being a young person himself, Ruraidh knows the challenges people face when trying to get on the property ladder, develop their careers and start families. Ruraidh believes that a key part in the severe decline in young people choosing to stay in the Highlands is the lack of affordable housing, poor energy efficiency standards and the extreme challenges facing schools, students and teachers in the Highlands - including the growing attainment gap.
He is committed to ensuring schools get the vital resources they deserve and is fighting for much needed affordable housing and better yet affordable heating systems.
Away from politics, Ruraidh is an avid traveller, as well as a sailing and shooting enthusiast.
Ruraidh sits on a variety of committee's in Highland Council, including:
- Economy and Infrastructure Committee
- Housing and Property Committee
- Pensions Committee
- Gaelic Committee
- Audit Committee
- Isle of Skye and Raasay Committee
- North Planning Applications Committee