Bowman is sworn in as newest MSP as he replaces long-serving Johnstone
SCOTLAND’S newest MSP has been sworn in at Holyrood.
Bill Bowman has taken over from North East MSP Alex Johnstone, who died at the age of 55 after a short illness.
Mr Johnstone was the longest serving Scottish Conservative member in Parliament.
Mr Bowman, a chartered accountant, stood for the Conservatives in the Dundee City East seat at the election earlier this year.
He was also in sixth place in the party’s North East regional list, meaning he was next in line for a seat at Holyrood. He took the oath of allegiance in the chamber yesterday.
Mr Johnstone’s funeral took place at Glenbervie Parish Church, Aberdeenshire, last week, while party leaders led tributes to him in a motion of condolence in Parliament this week.
Kincardineshire-born former dairy farmer Mr Johnstone had been the longest-serving Conservative MSP.
Conservatives’ leader Ruth Davidson said the “big-hearted” MSP had been “a friend to all”.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said he “exemplified the integrity, dedication and sense of public service people expect to see from their elected representatives”.
Labour leader Kezia Dugdale said: “Alex had a reputation around the Parliament as a great character.
“When our politics can feel divided, he was always quick to inject some humour.”