About Andrew Baxter

A Highlander, Councillor and Community Campaigner

Andrew Baxter is a well-known and hard-working community campaigner who lives and works in the Highlands. Andrew lives in Kinlochleven and works in Fort William. He has spent much of his adult life standing up for local communities, challenging decisions imposed from elsewhere.

A man and a woman are smiling at a food stall. The woman, wearing glasses and a Christmas-themed sweater, holds a bag of food. The man, in a blue sweater, stands beside her, displaying a friendly expression. A menu board in the background lists takeaway options.

Andrew was first elected as an independent councillor for the Fort William and Ardnamurchan ward in 2012. He had become increasingly frustrated because too many decisions affecting Lochaber were being taken in Inverness rather than locally. He was also concerned by a culture of secrecy within the council. Important discussions impacting everyday life were often held behind closed doors.

He topped the poll in his first election. In 2017, he was re-elected with double the number of votes, having built a reputation as a strong local champion. Andrew never hesitated to challenge those in power when Lochaber was being treated unfairly. During his time as a councillor, Andrew campaigned relentlessly for a fairer deal on issues such as car parking charges in Fort William and long-overdue investment in the Corran Ferry service.

A man stands in front of a stone wall with a sign reading 'Togalach Theàrliach Cheanadaich Charles Kennedy Building' visible behind him. The background features a building with a slate roof and greenery.

While proud of his political determination, Andrew has always put community before party. He has worked across political lines when necessary, focused on delivering results rather than point-scoring.

After a decade of service, Andrew stepped back from frontline politics in 2022 to focus on his career as a professional Highland tourist guide. During this time, he continued to be an active advocate for the region, sharing its history, culture and landscapes with visitors from around the world. He also stepped back from the Kinlochleven Community Trust, having previously helped drive local regeneration projects. These projects included a community garden and visitor information point.

Andrew returned to public service after being persuaded by newly elected MP Angus MacDonald to serve as his Chief of Staff, establishing both Westminster and constituency offices and supporting residents across the Highlands. In November 2024, Andrew returned to frontline politics, standing as the Liberal Democrat candidate in the Fort William and Ardnamurchan by-election. He was elected with nearly 60% of first-preference votes, reaffirming the trust local people place in him.

A man and a young boy sitting on a wooden sculpture in a lush green forest setting, surrounded by ferns and wildflowers.

Andrew lives in Kinlochleven with his family. His children were born at Raigmore Hospital and attend the local high school in the village—giving him a deeply personal stake in the future of Highland healthcare, education and local services. Outside politics, he enjoys hillwalking in Lochaber and reading, though never at the same time.