Goodbye and thank you, it’s been a blast

On March 25 the Scottish Parliament goes into recess for the Scottish General Election. This will mark my retiral after nearly 46 years in public service - 33 of these years as an elected representative firstly as a councillor and then as a Member of the Scottish Parliament.

It has been the honour and privilege of my life to be elected to the Scottish Parliament and to represent the people of the Stirling constituency at Holyrood. I will cherish the memories of the reconvening of the Scottish Parliament, after a period of 300 years, and its fantastic opening day in 1999. So too I will cherish the memory of winning the Stirling constituency for the SNP.

There are so are so many people I need to thank. Firstly, can I say a huge thank you to the great many fantastic individuals, business and organisations I have engaged with over the past two decades in the Stirling constituency. I also need to say a massive thanks to my marvellous constituency office staff who have supported and advised me over the past two decades - as well as the large army of SNP activists with whom I have campaigned with over the years.

It has been an absolute pleasure to represent such wonderfully diverse part of Scotland; from the city of Stirling to the many rural towns and villages and to be lucky enough to work in an area steeped in such remarkable history and with a simply stunning natural landscape.

Looking back over my time representing our area, a great deal has changed. From investment in new and much refurbished schools to a state of art college campus. From the building of the Forth Valley Royal Hospital and Stirling Community Hospital to new GP practices. From investment in the Bannockburn Heritage Centre and Stirling Castle to the National Conservation Centre at Forthside.

However, in many ways it has been helping secure funding for many community projects that have provided me with the greatest pleasure. For example, projects such as investment in the muchneeded refurbishment of the Sir Walter Scott Steamship at Loch Katrine or land decontamination of residents’ properties in Blanefield. From funding for the restoration of Bannockburn House to the CallanderYouth Project at Bridgend.

While I seriously considered standing down as an MSP at the last election in 2016, I am glad that I was persuaded to serve for a further parliamentary session. This enabled me to utilise my experience to help and assist the great many people, businesses and organisations who have badly required help because of Covid-19 pandemic.

I am so glad that we finally appear to be emerging from the grip of the coronavirus crisis as the incredible vaccine rollout begins to fight back against this silent killer. The tragedy of so many people losing their lives or suffering from long Covid is something that will stay with those who have lived through this period for ever.

I would also like to take this opportunity to pay personal tribute to Nicola Sturgeon, our First Minster. Not only has she been my friend for over 20 years, but I sincerely believe her leadership of the Scotland during the pandemic has been truly outstanding. No other First Minster in history has had to endure the strain of holding this office in the way she has, and I thank her for all of the sacrifices she has made on behalf of the nation.

Looking to the future I know that the constituency is being well served by my friend Alyn Smith MP and it is my sincere hope you will elect local councillor Evelyn Tweed as your new MSP. I know Evelyn very well - she will make a great representative for you at Holyrood.

For me it’s a massive thanks and goodbye - it’s been a blast.

It’s been the honour and privilege of my life