Alistair Carmichael is the party's spokesman for Scotland

Alistair Carmichael won the far-flung Westminster seat in 2001.

It was the same constituency which had been previously held by Liberal leader Jo Grimond and Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Jim Wallace.

The 42-year-old made a confident start in the House of Commons and was appointed a junior Liberal Democrat spokesman on Northern Ireland, a shadow spokesman post he continues today.

Mr Carmichael is also the party's spokesman on Scottish affairs.

A solicitor by profession, he has spoken on law reform but specialises in constituency issues.

He often raises the complex transport needs of his island seat.

In 2005 the married father-of-two moved to the Home Affairs team.

Following the election of Sir Menzies Campbell to leader of the party, Mr Carmichael was made Liberal Democrat spokesman for transport.