The SNP has lost two candidates in the forthcoming council elections.
Bryan Macpherson has dropped out of contesting the Benbecula and North Uist ward in the May ballot due to family reasons.
On Lewis Iain Don Maciver is refusing to stand on the party ticket after the Scottish Government axed RET for commercial vehicles.
Mr Maciver, from Lower Bayble is Cal Mac’s Stornoway port manager and deals with the island’s haulage industry on a daily basis.
It is understood Mr Maciver is considering fight the Point seat as an independent candidate.
A SNP spokesman said: “Western Isles SNP understands that Iain Don Maciver has indicated he will not be standing as an SNP candidate in the elections to Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.
“For unrelated reasons around work and family commitments Bryan Macpherson indicated some time ago to the party that he will not be able to stand in the elections for the Beinn na Faoghla agus Uibhist a Tuath ward.
“The SNP is standing a strong team of candidates across the Western Isles and is committed to building a more accountable and more ambitious council for the people of the islands.”
A political rival of Mr Maciver praised his fellow Rudhach for his “principled stand.”
Cllr Donald John Macsween, who is runnign for re-
"I look forward to the campaign but it is a pity his other SNP collagues are putting the party before the interests of the people of the Western Isles."
Iain Don Maciver will not stand under the SNP ticket
SNP lose two council election candidates 8/2/12