Peterhead is a major centre for the United Kingdom's fishing industry while St Fergus is home to a vast gas terminal - nearly half of the UK's gas is pumped ashore here. Tourism is important to the region, and it holds some spectacular scenery and secluded resorts.

Banff and Buchan has been represented by former SNP party leader Alex Salmond since he regained it from the Tories in 1987. The SNP previously held it between 1975 and 1979.

Over the last few years Mr Salmond had repeatedly said he planned to stand down as a Westminster MP at the forthcoming general election, to focus his attention on his responsibilities in the Scottish Parliament. However, in January 2001 Mr Salmond made public his decision to stay on at Westminster after all and give up his Scottish Parliament seat.

Retired bank director Stewart Stevenson was originally selected to contest the Westminster seat, but will now contest the Scottish parliament seat instead.