Charles Kennedy and Malcolm Bruce today celebrate 30 years as MPs for their constituencies. They have both issued messages to mark the occasion. Here is Charles’.

This coming Sunday will mark thirty years of serving Ross, Cromarty and Skye; Ross, Skye & Inverness West and currently, Ross, Skye & Lochaber. Through the many boundary and name changes it’s a continued privilege to serve the largest and arguably one of most beautiful constituencies in the country. The last three decades have brought have a wealth of issues to the constituency table; from the building of the Skye Bridge, ensuring the continuation of strong transport links for the Highlands and helping save vital local services, to promoting the economy and beauty of the Highlands.

Nationally, both as a local MP and as Federal Party Leader, the outstanding issues are equally too numerous to recall or recount but I suppose the issue of Iraq and the brave stand the Liberal Democrats took in opposing the war was a defining moment both for the Party and my Leadership. I remain very proud of the Party, both nationally and locally, for its resilience and for the vital role it continues to play in defending civil rights and democracy in this country.

There’s no room for a dull moment in my role as MP and I look forward to reflecting on and celebrating all that the constituency has achieved – as well as looking to the future – at my anniversary dinner on Saturday night which is a great opportunity for me to thank members and friends for all their help, support and hard work over the years.

* Charles Kennedy is the Liberal Democrat candidate in Ross, Skye & Lochaber and was MP until dissolution of Parliament on 30 March 2015