THE SNP minority government had to accept an embarrassing defeat in parliament when the combined force of opposition parties voted down controversial plans to abolish the board of Highlands and Islands Enterprise.

Following a debate in the chamber on Wednesday afternoon the government was defeated by 64 votes against 63 SNP votes.

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One of the most vocal critics of the plans, Shetland MSP Tavish Scott said SNP ministers had been given “their marching orders”.

“Despite SNP Highlands and Islands MSPs shamefully putting their party before their constituents, the government was defeated over its plans to centralise powers over economic development,” he said.

“Businesses and communities across the region have fought to retain an agency with a laser-like focus on their needs. Today is their victory.”

Orkney LibDem colleagues Liam McArthur added: “SNP Ministers now face a test. Will they respect the will of Parliament or blunder on with a ‘we know best’ approach?

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“People and businesses in the Highlands & Islands will be watching closely.”

Conservative Highlands and Islands MSP Douglas Ross said: “Countless individuals have warned the SNP about the threats to economic development if they continue with their plans to subsume HIE into a national body and now Parliament has made its view clear.

“The SNP should listen to local communities, and now Parliament, and scrap these ill-thought through proposals.

“Scottish Conservatives believe these plans for HIE centralisation should be shelved and now Parliament has given the same message.

“It’s time for the Scottish Government and SNP politicians to ditch the proposals and let HIE get back to work it does across the Highlands and Islands.”

Economy secretary Keith Brown promised that despite the planned changes HIE would continue to be locally based and managed.

Wednesday’s vote is not binding and it is up to the government to decide how to respond to the defeat.