It’s so good to be back at Holyrood
Last Saturday, I was privileged to attend the official opening ceremony of the Scottish Parliament.
Having first been elected in 1999, I have been honoured to attend every opening ceremony since the formation of the Scottish Parliament. Saturday’s ceremony, however, was a particularly joyful occasion.
It marked the first time that we could welcome everybody back into the Scottish Parliament building since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was wonderful to see friends of all political persuasions in person again, some for the first time in many months.
It was particularly appropriate that this opening ceremony paid tribute to those who had made a difference in their local communities. To that end, all MSPs were invited to nominate a local hero to attend the ceremony with them and take part in the special day.
I was delighted to nominate Julie Dunbar, who was a key volunteer for the Feldy-Roo community group. Feldy-Roo was set up during the initial COVID lockdown to provide free hot meals to shielding and vulnerable adults, and to help tackle social isolation.
It was great to see Julie and all the other local heroes enjoy their day in Parliament, and I was pleased that I could share the day with her and her guest Sheila.
The opening of parliament brings with it a spirit of renewal and an opportunity for reflection.
We welcome the new MSPs from all parties, and as elected politicians we renew our efforts to work in a positive, collegial manner for the benefit of our nation.
Whilst there will always be spirited debate, it is important that we can disagree without being disagreeable. I was particularly struck by the words of the presiding officer, who urged us to ensure that our debate is civilised and courteous. I wholeheartedly agree with this sentiment.
With the parliament now officially open, we can look ahead to the Scottish Government’s legislative programme. With the SNP now entered into a formal agreement with the Scottish Green Party, we can together pursue the bold policies that will strengthen our communities and take our country forward.
I am particularly proud of the agreement with the Greens as it represents a collective stepping out of our comfort zones in pursuit of a better, fairer politics.
Over the course of this parliament, our agreement with the Greens will ensure that the NHS receives a record 20 per cent funding increase for frontline services, in addition to the creation of a National Care Service.
It will also mean bold action to address the climate emergency, the recruitment of an additional 3500 teachers and 500 classroom assistants, and the building of 110,000 affordable homes by 2032.
I am truly excited by the policies that the Scottish Government will introduce in the coming years, and I am reminded more than ever of how fortunate I am to represent you all in parliament. It is an honour that I will never take for granted.