 | ''The Lib Dem victory in Romsey underlines their dismal performance in Scotland. In England, the Lib Dems are capable of winning a by-election as an opposition party, whereas as part of the Labour-led administration in Scotland, they lose their deposit in by-elections and get out-polled by the SSP and Hamilton Academicals!' Alex Salmond MP MSP, 5 th May 2000. |  |
The political parties have been keen to stress that two Scottish parliamentary by-elections taking place amid the fervour of the general election campaign are far more than side shows.
And, judging by the prestige of the seats and the profile of their previous incumbents, their assertions are more than justified.
Scotland's main political parties have put up candidates for both the Banff and Buchan and Strathkelvin and Bearsden constituency seats and are hoping for a boost before the 2003 Scottish parliamentary elections.
Both seats have been vacated by two of Scotland's most prominent politicians and polling will take place on 7 June - the same day as the general election.
23 rd May 2001
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