Ahead of the vote, First Minister John Swinney had claimed that the by-election was a “two-horse race” between the SNP and Reform.
But his party’s candidate, Katy Loudon, endured her third election defeat in the area – having lost out to Labour’s Michael Shanks at the 2024 general election and 2023 Rutherglen and Hamilton West by-election.
After the result, Swinney said his party had “made progress since the election last year but not enough”.
He posted on X, external: “We still have work to do and we will do it.”
Scottish Constitution Secretary Angus Robertson said the SNP would need to “look very closely” at result and “learn the lessons” for the Holyrood elections.
Russell, who was raised and still lives in the village of Quarter in the constituency, has worked for local government and previously served as deputy lord lieutenant, representing the monarch at local events.
His victory comes despite criticism during the campaign for a lack of media appearances – most notably when he decided not to participate in a televised STV debate.
Speaking at the count, Russell said constituents had been “let down” by the SNP.
He added that the result sent a message to Reform leader Nigel Farage that his party’s “poison” was not welcome in Scotland.
