Independents go it alone to seize control of Highland Council
THE Independents have taken power at Highland Council.
The group said days ago they were seeking a deal with the Liberal Democrats and Labour - with the SNP frozen out.
But negotiations were still going on this morning.
And it has now emerged the Independents will run the admnistration alone.
Independent group leader Councillor Margaret Davidson said the aim was to create a stable council.

Consequently, the SNP will now form the largest group in opposition with the Liberal Democrats and Labour also out of power.
SNP group leader Cllr Maxine Smith said: “We look forward to working with the new administration in order to do what is best for the Highlands. We will support the administration when we believe it is right and we will oppose it when we believe it is wrong. As leader of the opposition, I will work constructively with the Independents and my SNP colleagues all feel the same.”
SNP group depute leader Cllr Richard Laird added: “The last week has been frustrating for the council, its staff and Highland residents. What is important now is that the council has stable leadership for the next two years and we will ensure that happens. The SNP will form a constructive opposition to the Independent administration and will continue to put the good of the Highlands front and centre of everything we do.”
The move comes after the Liberal Democrats unexpectedly quit the SNP-led coalition administration last week, saying they could no longer work with the nationalists.