To attack Kate Forbes is to attack the roots of a faith-driven nation
Yet, the criticism she faced for her deeply held values was not only unjust but a troubling assault on the principles of freedom and fairness that Scotland holds dear. The Equality Act 2010 explicitly protects the right to hold and express religious beliefs, provided they do not infringe on the rights of others.
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Those who vilified Forbes for her faith ignored this fundamental legal protection, seeking instead to silence a perspective that has shaped Scotland's moral and cultural fabric for centuries. Their attacks were not merely personal but an affront to the principle that diverse beliefs must coexist in a free society.
To condemn Forbes for her convictions is to undermine the very pluralism her critics claim to champion.
The Free Church of Scotland, to which Forbes belongs, has a storied legacy of standing for justice, particularly for the poor and marginalised. During the Highland Clearances, when landlords drove families from their homes for profit, the Free Church was a steadfast advocate for the oppressed, offering spiritual and practical support. Its ministers spoke out against the cruelties of dispossession, embodying a faith that demanded action for the downtrodden.
To dismiss Forbes's affiliation with this tradition is to ignore its profound contributions to Scotland's social conscience.
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Moreover, Christianity, particularly through the lens of the Reformation, has been a cornerstone of Scotland's identity. The Reformation unleashed a wave of literacy, education, and civic responsibility, empowering ordinary Scots to engage with scripture and governance alike.
The Covenanters, those fierce defenders of religious liberty, exemplified this legacy.
Their resistance to the Treaty of Union in 1707 was not mere rebellion but a passionate stand for a Scotland where faith and freedom were intertwined. Their unyielding commitment to principle, even at the cost of their lives, remains a powerful rebuke to those who would mock or marginalise Christian conviction today.
Forbes's detractors, in their rush to caricature her beliefs, fail to grasp the depth of this heritage. Her Calvinist faith, far from being a relic, reflects a worldview that values community, stewardship, and justice – principles that resonate with Scotland's enduring aspiration for a fairer society.
READ MORE: Kate Forbes has perfect response to Scottish Tories' membership offer
To attack her is to attack the very roots of a nation shaped by faith-driven reform and resilience. Kate Forbes's absence from the 2026 election is a loss not only for the SNP but for all who value conviction in public life.
Her Christian witness, far from being a liability, was a gift – a reminder that faith can inspire leadership that is both compassionate and courageous.
I urge your readers to reflect on the legacy of Scotland's Christian heritage and to reject the narrow intolerance that seeks to silence voices like hers. Let us honour the right to belief, celebrate the Free Church's historic fight for the poor, and recognise the Reformation and Covenanters' role in forging a Scotland that still inspires us today.
Cllr Gordon Murray
SNP Councillor, Stornoway North
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