AN INVERCLYDE council candidate has vowed to contest the upcoming Gourock by-election ‘in honour of’ former First Minister Alex Salmond.

Chris McEleny of the Alba Party suspended his campaigning on Saturday to travel to North Macedonia following the sudden death of his 'dear friend and father-like figure' at the age of 69.

Mr McEleny says he is now due to fly home and will return to the campaign trail in Gourock this weekend ahead of polling day on Thursday, November 7.

It is understood that the SNP, Conservatives and Reform UK also suspended their campaigns in the by-election in tribute to the late politician.

Chris McEleny is contesting the Inverclyde West by-election for the Alba Party.However, Labour opted to continue with their local campaign.

Mr McEleny said: “On discussing with our party chair, who will remain in North Macedonia with her husband to offer any support required, and with the family at the front of my mind, I am returning home.

“It is not for me to say what Alex’s wishes would have been but he would’ve been the first person to tell me to get home and win.

“I am thankful to those candidates that chose to suspend their campaigns out of respect.

“The Labour Party are entitled to do what they think is right for them in their decision to continue with their campaign over the past days whilst we have been grieving.

“Alex Salmond’s legacy to Scotland is immeasurable, and there will be those that say we won’t win.

"But I will fight to do so in his honour, and my campaign to do so will highlight the issues Alex was due to campaign for when he visited Gourock.”

The four other Inverclyde West candidates are John Burleigh (Reform), Ian Hellyer (Labour), Robert Kirkpatrick (SNP) and Ted Runciman (Conservative).

Polling stations at Cardwell Bay Sailing Club, the Gamble Halls, the Coppermine Community Centre, Gourock Golf Club, Gourock Bowling Club, and the Royal Gourock Yacht Club will be open from 7am until 10pm on the day of the by-election.