TRIBUTES have been paid to outgoing MEP Ian Hudghton for his services to the north-east of Scotland. The long-serving MEP has announced he does not intend to seek re-election to the European Parliament at next month’s elections, should they take place. Mr Hudghton was elected to represent the former North-east Scotland Euro constituency in November 1998 at a by-election caused by the death of SNP MEP Dr Allan Macartney. In 1999, following changes to the voting system, Mr Hudghton became one of eight MEPs for Scotland. His promotion of the interests of the north-east and Scotland as a whole was hailed by Banffshire and Buchan Coast SNP MSP Stewart Stevenson. He said: “Ian has been a strong voice for Scotland in Europe and has a proud record of serving the north-east. “Changes to the voting system broke the link between MEPs and constituencies in 1999, when each MEP then represented the whole of Scotland, but Ian always ensured the northeast was never overlooked and was assiduous in attending to local matters. “In particular, his surgery tours of the north-east were unique among Euro-MPs and ensured that Europe was never remote from the people here, who could always call on their MEP to represent them. “I wish Ian a long and happy retirement, but suspect he will not be idle given his commitment to Scotland and the cause of independence.” First Minister Nicola Sturgeon added: “Ian Hudghton has championed Scotland’s cause in the European Parliament for over 20 years, I am sorry to see him go.” Mr Hudghton has also been SNP president since 2005.