Angus MacDonald won in Inverness, Skye and West Ross-shire where the declaration was delayed by two recounts.

The SNP candidate has already conceded defeat, with the seat expected to be won by the Lib Dems.

The first minister says his party has "soul searching" to do after a series of losses to Labour.

The former journalist said the SNP had "abandoned" islanders, winning with 6,692 votes.

There was surprise at the party's victories in seats beyond its traditional heartlands in the central belt.

He said the party was going to be "beat well" after winning his Aberdeen South seat with a reduced majority.

The electorate has been warned that several Westminster constituencies races are on a knife edge.

After six weeks of debates, arguments, polls and scandals, the campaign is drawing to a close.