NICOLA Sturgeon has hailed the SNP candidate for the upcoming Shetland by-election.

On her second visit ahead of the August 29 vote, the First Minister praised the “passion, grit and determination” of Tom Wills.

The by-election was called after LibDem MSP Tavish Scott resigned.

The First Minister said: “A vote for Tom at this by-election will make a real difference and help send a strong message to Boris Johnson that Shetland won’t stand for Brexit.

“Tom’s campaign is going from strength to strength, and his hard work and enthusiasm to help build a brighter future for these islands is clear for all to see. Over the past few weeks we’ve had a real glimpse of what a great MSP for Shetland he would be.

“Whether it’s his pledge to help cut travel costs for working families or his plan to use his experience in renewables to kick start a green jobs boom for Shetland, Tom’s ideas are really striking a chord with voters.”