Standing down ahead of 2021 election

“Monklands Hospital is something I’m still fighting for – it should be in the heart of the community and rebuilt on its site. It wasn’t impossible to build on the existing site when constructing the Maggie’s Centre or the Beatson. I’m not persuaded that the hospital should be disappearing from that site, but if it has to be on another, it has to be accessible for patients and staff.”

Reflecting on her two decades at Holyrood, Ms Smith said: “One of the most memorable occasions was the parliament opening for the first time in 1999 – it was an amazing, joyful experience for so many people from across Scotland and was a really exciting day for everyone. a piece of legislation and put it through parliament, and it takes a lot of time and effort; but not many people can say they’ve changed the law on a significant issue of health and wellbeing, assisting women and children. really proud of is getting the rail bridges in Coatbridge painted – they were absolutely shocking and didn’t give a good impression for anybody coming into the town.

“I lobbied for a number of years and between Network Rail and the council, the whole area has been cleaned up, which was a huge achievement and took a lot of time and effort. We’ve been fighting against the incinerator in Coatbridge for many years; I hope that comes to an end before I leave the parliament and I’d like to see a positive conclusion to that for the community.

“I’m always really impressed with the involvement of local people in helping their own community – like Parent Action

It’s a great honour and privilege to have represented Coatbridge & Chryston for 17 of those years

House calls The politician on the campaign trail during her bid to secure the Coatbridge & Chryston ward during the Scottish Parliament elections in 2016