To Liberal Democrat activists across the UK, chief whip Alistair Carmichael is one of the most popular parliamentarians. His sociable nature, wise head and sense of humour make him ideally suited for the challenges of being chief whip, but it means that one of our best media performers has been largely confined to the shadows of Westminster for the past two and a half years.

Now the MP for Orkney and Shetland has partially emerged from those shadows to take over as Deputy Leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats, succeeding Jo Swinson who stepped down after her promotion in the reshuffle.

Alistair’s appointment comes in the same week as he and his wife Kathryn celebrated 25 years of marriage.

He had this to say about his new position:

This is an exciting opportunity. I am looking forward to playing a leading part in the important political debates that are set to dominate Scotland.

On the constitution the Liberal Democrats have a distinctive contribution to make.

And, as someone working at the heart of the Government in Westminster, I will take my place and make the case in Scotland for successes that help people in their everyday lives.

We have cut income tax for ordinary Scots who now pay £500 less tax than under Labour and we are creating new opportunities for young people to get their first jobs and apprenticeships.

I am determined to help the Scottish party support our new Liberal Democrat campaign for fair tax across the UK. This aims to make sure that the very wealthiest people pay their fair share in tax on their wealth and play by the same rules as everybody else.

At a time when the SNP are removing local control over critical services, choosing secrecy over transparency in government and pursuing separatism at the expense of jobs and growth, the need for a strong Scottish Liberal Democrat voice is as urgent as ever.

Willie Rennie and our team at Holyrood are punching above their weight in the Scottish Parliament. As deputy leader I look forward to working with Willie, party members and activists across the country to keep Alex Salmond honest and hold his government to account.

As well as being another strong voice in the Scottish media, Alistair has experience of running several national election campaigns and will be invaluable as the party prepares for three successive years of  national elections and the independence referendum.

* Caron Lindsay is Editor of Liberal Democrat Voice and blogs at Caron's Musings. You can find her on Bluesky at caronmlindsay.bsky.social