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Showing 60 of 2,355,091 contributions. Latest 30 days: 148. Coverage: 12 May 1999 — 14 May 2026.
The Presiding Officer NPA Chamber
14 May 2026
Deputy Presiding Officers
Everyone has now voted. Once again, I ask scrutineers and candidates to please go to the back of the chamber. The votes will be counted for the final time.In the final round of voting to elect a second Deputy Presiding Officer, the number of votes that were cast for each candi...
The Presiding Officer NPA Chamber
14 May 2026
Deputy Presiding Officers
Ballot papers up the back. Please vote now.Members voted by secret ballot.
The Presiding Officer NPA Chamber
14 May 2026
Deputy Presiding Officers
I declare that the election for the second Deputy Presiding Officer is now open. The voting procedures are the same as before.Members voted by secret ballot.The Presiding Officer:Voting in this round of the Deputy Presiding Officer election is closed. I invite the scrutineers,...
The Presiding Officer NPA Chamber
14 May 2026
Deputy Presiding Officers
Voting for this round of the Deputy Presiding Officer election is now closed. I invite scrutineers to proceed to the back of the chamber for the count. Again, candidates may also observe the count.Colleagues, you will be delighted to know that we have a result. In this round o...
The Presiding Officer NPA Chamber
14 May 2026
Deputy Presiding Officers
Okay, folks, you know the drill. Ballot papers are at the back of the chamber.Members voted by secret ballot.
The Presiding Officer NPA Chamber
14 May 2026
Deputy Presiding Officers
Good afternoon, everyone. I am glad that you are all with us once more. This will be the last voting session of the afternoon, you will be glad to know—before you can all depart the scene.I have received five valid nominations for the position of Deputy Presiding Officer, and ...
The Presiding Officer (Kenneth Gibson) NPA Chamber
14 May 2026
Deputy Presiding Officers
The first meeting of the seventh session of the Parliament is now resumed. I have received five valid nominations for the position of Deputy Presiding Officer. I shall now announce the nominees and ask all candidates, as their names are announced, to make themselves known to t...
The Presiding Officer (Kenneth Gibson) NPA Chamber
14 May 2026
Presiding Officer
Okay, folks. I have just been given some instructions about what will happen next. However, before that, I want to thank every member who has participated in this voting process. My belated congratulations to them if I have not already spoken to them about winning their own el...
The Presiding Officer Chamber
14 May 2026
Presiding Officer
Voting in the third round of the election of the Presiding Officer is closed. I invite any scrutineers appointed by the candidates to go to the back of the chamber to observe the counting of ballot papers. Candidates may also observe the count.In this round of voting in the el...
The Presiding Officer Chamber
14 May 2026
Presiding Officer
This voting period is now open, using the same voting procedure as before.Members voted by secret ballot.
The Presiding Officer Chamber
14 May 2026
Presiding Officer
Voting in this round of the Presiding Officer election is closed. I invite the scrutineers to proceed to the back of the chamber for the counting of votes. Again, candidates may also observe the count.In the second round of voting in the election of the Presiding Officer, the ...
The Presiding Officer Chamber
14 May 2026
Presiding Officer
Voting in the first round of the election of the Presiding Officer is closed. I now invite any scrutineers appointed by the candidates to go to the back of the chamber to observe the counting of ballot papers. Candidates may also observe the count.In the first round of voting ...
The Presiding Officer Chamber
14 May 2026
Presiding Officer
As previously announced, I have received four valid nominations. In alphabetical order, the nominees are: Kenneth Gibson, Clare Haughey, Liam McArthur and Stuart McMillan.The election shall proceed in accordance with rule 11.9 of standing orders. If no member receives an overa...
The Presiding Officer (Alison Johnstone) Chamber
14 May 2026
Presiding Officer
The first meeting of the seventh session of the Parliament is resumed. I have received four valid nominations for the position of Presiding Officer. I shall now announce the nominations and ask all candidates, as their names are announced, to make themselves known to the chamb...
The Presiding Officer Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I wish to inform members that nominations for the position of Presiding Officer will open at 12.30 pm. Nomination forms can be collected from the parliamentary business team, which is situated in T1.03. Completed nomination forms should be returned to the parliamentary busines...
Kate Campbell (Edinburgh Eastern, Musselburgh and Tranent) (SNP) SNP Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
My first allegiance is to the people of Scotland, who are sovereign.I, Kate Rosa Campbell, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law.
Stephen Gethins (Dundee City East) (SNP) SNP Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Stephen Patrick Gethins, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law.
Jenny Young (Central Scotland and Lothians West) (Lab) Lab Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Jenny Young, do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law. So help me God.
David Torrance (Kirkcaldy) (SNP) SNP Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, David Herd Torrance, do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law. So help me God.
Maree Todd (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) SNP Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Maree Todd, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law.Tha mise Maree Todd, gu sòlaimte is fìrinneach a’ cur an cèill agus ag innse gum bi mi d...
Alison Thewliss (Glasgow Central) (SNP) SNP Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Alison Thewliss, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law.Tha mise Alison Thewliss, gu sòlaimte is fìrinneach a’ cur an cèill agus ag innse g...
Paul Sweeney (Glasgow) (Lab) Lab Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Paul John Sweeney, do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law. So help me God.
Collette Stevenson (East Kilbride) (SNP) SNP Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Collette Stevenson, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law.
Pauline Stafford (Bathgate) (SNP) SNP Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I pledge my allegiance to the people of Scotland, who are sovereign.I, Pauline Stafford, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law.
Shirley-Anne Somerville (Dunfermline) (SNP) SNP Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Shirley-Anne Somerville, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law.
David Smith (West Scotland) (Reform) Reform Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, David Haydn Smith, do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law. So help me God.
Alyn Smith (Stirling) (SNP) SNP Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Alyn Edward Smith, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law.
Lorna Slater (Edinburgh Central) (Green) Green Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
My first allegiance is to the people of Scotland, who are sovereign.I, Lorna Jane Slater, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law.
Mark Simpson (North East Scotland) (Reform) Reform Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Mark Simpson, do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law. So help me God.
Graham Simpson (Central Scotland and Lothians West) (Reform) Reform Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Graham Simpson, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law.
Kim Schmulian (Glasgow) (Reform) Reform Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Kim Schmulian, do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law. So help me God.
Katherine Sangster (Edinburgh and Lothians East) (Lab) Lab Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Katherine Blackstock Sangster, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law.
Mark Ruskell (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Green) Green Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
In my heart, my allegiance is to the people of Scotland.I, Mark Ruskell, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law.
Angela Ross (Edinburgh and Lothians East) (Reform) Reform Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Angela Ross, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law.
Emma Roddick (Inverness and Nairn) (SNP) SNP Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I make this affirmation under protest in order to sit in this Parliament, where my allegiance will be to the people of Inverness and Nairn.I, Emma Roddick, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King...
Willie Rennie (Fife North East) (LD) LD Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, William Cowan Rennie, do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law. So help me God.
Kirsten Oswald (Eastwood) (SNP) SNP Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Kirsten Frances Oswald, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law.
Kate Nevens (Edinburgh and Lothians East) (Green) Green Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I make this affirmation to the sovereign people of Scotland and pledge that, in all my actions, the interests of the Scottish people shall be paramount over and above those of the monarchy.I, Kate Nevens, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that I will be fait...
Laura Moodie (South Scotland) (Green) Green Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
My affirmation is to the sovereign people of Scotland, whose interests I will always serve before those of the monarchy.I, Laura Moodie, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs...
Carol Mochan (South Scotland) (Lab) Lab Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I believe that the people of this country should be citizens, not subjects, and my first allegiance is to them.I, Carol Ann Mochan, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and ...
Laura Mitchell (Moray) (SNP) SNP Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Laura Mitchell, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law.I, Laura Mitchell, gie my depone, solemnly and sincerely, aat I wull be faithful and...
Jenni Minto (Argyll and Bute) (SNP) SNP Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Jenni Minto, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law.
Jack Middleton (Aberdeen Central) (SNP) SNP Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I declare that my first loyalty will always be to the people of Scotland.I, Jack Middleton, do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law. So help me God.
Colm Merrick (Glasgow Anniesland) (SNP) SNP Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Colm Merrick, do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law. So help me God.
Lloyd Melville (Angus South) (SNP) SNP Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Lloyd Alexander Melville, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law.
Pauline McNeill (Glasgow) (Lab) Lab Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Pauline Mary McNeill, do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law. So help me God.
Marie McNair (Clydebank and Milngavie) (SNP) SNP Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Marie Alexandra McNair, do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law. So help me God.
Stuart McMillan (Inverclyde) (SNP) SNP Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Stuart McMillan, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law.
Paul McLennan (East Lothian Coast and Lammermuirs) (SNP) SNP Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Paul Stewart McLennan, do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law. So help me God.
Ivan McKee (Glasgow Easterhouse and Springburn) (SNP) SNP Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Ivan McKee, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law.
Cara McKee (West Scotland) (Green) Green Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Cara McKee, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law.
Helen McDade (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Reform) Reform Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Helen McDade, do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law. So help me God.
Liam McArthur (Orkney Islands) (LD) LD Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Liam Scott McArthur, do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law. So help me God.
Màiri McAllan (Clydesdale) (SNP) SNP Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Màiri Louise McAllan, do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law. So help me God.
Duncan Massey (North East Scotland) (Reform) Reform Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Duncan Massey, do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law. So help me God.
Gillian Martin (Aberdeenshire East) (SNP) SNP Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
My allegiance is to the people of Scotland, who are sovereign.I, Gillian Anne Martin, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law.
Michael Marra (North East Scotland) (Lab) Lab Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Michael Marra, do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law. So help me God.
Q Manivannan (Edinburgh and Lothians East) (Green) Green Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I make the affirmation for the people of Scotland and their care, my bonnie, bonnie home.I, Q Manivannan, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law.
Ben Macpherson (Edinburgh North Eastern and Leith) (SNP) SNP Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
In order to represent my constituents and serve the common good and the people of Scotland, I, Ben Macpherson, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according...
Donald MacKinnon (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) (Lab) Lab Chamber
14 May 2026
Oaths and Affirmations
I, Donald MacKinnon, do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law. So help me God.Tha mise Dòmhnall MacFhionghain, a’ mionnachadh gum bi mi dìleas agus fìor umhail do A Mhòrachd An Rìgh Teàrla...
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Chamber

Meeting of the Parliament 19 December 2018

19 Dec 2018 · S5 · Meeting of the Parliament
Item of business
Iolaire Disaster

The first item of business is a members’ business debate on motion S5M-14614, in the name of Alasdair Allan, on the centenary of the Iolaire disaster. The debate will be concluded without any question being put. I ask members who wish to speak in the debate to press their request-to-speak buttons.

Some members have indicated that they will speak in Gaelic, so interpretation facilities are available. Members may listen to the interpretation by inserting their headphones into the socket on the right-hand side of the console, towards the front. If any member experiences a problem, they should try using the audio button and selecting channel 1 to hear the English interpretation.

Motion debated,

That the Parliament commemorates with great sadness the Iolaire disaster of 1 January 1919, when at least 201 men, mainly those returning home to the islands of Lewis and Harris after active service in the Royal Navy, lost their lives; remembers this terrible event, which took place when HMY Iolaire struck the Beasts of Holm, a group of rocks only around three miles from where the men's families were waiting for them at Stornoway Harbour; notes the series of commemorations that will take place in the islands around the centenary, and commends the efforts that are being made in the community and nationally to give due recognition to a disaster that, for many decades afterwards, had a devastating impact on the people of the Western Isles.

The member has provided the following translation:

Gu bheil a’ Phàrlamaid a’ comharrachadh le bròn call na h-Iolaire air 1 Faoilleach 1919, nuair a chaidh co-dhiù 201 neach a chall, a’ chuid as motha dhiubh a’ tilleadh dhachaigh gu Leòdhas agus na Hearadh às dèidh seirbheis-chogaidh leis a’ Chabhlach Rìoghail; gu bheil i a’ cuimneachadh na tubaist uamhasach seo, a thachair nuair a bhuail HMY Iolaire air Biastan Thuilm, creagan a tha dìreach trì mìle bho Chidhe Steòrnabhaigh, far an robh na teaghlaichean a’ feitheamh riutha; gu bheil i a’ toirt fa-near na comharrachaidhean a bhios a’ tachairt anns na h-eileanan ceud bliadhna às dèidh na tubaist; agus gu bheil i a’ moladh nan oidhearpan a thathar a’ dèanamh anns a’ choimhearsneachd agus gu nàiseanta gus aithne a thoirt dhan tubaist seo, agus air a’ bhuaidh chruaidh a bh’ aice airson bliadhnaichean mòra às a dhèidh air muinntir nan Eilean Siar.

13:00  
References in this contribution

Motions, questions or amendments mentioned by their reference code.

In the same item of business

The Deputy Presiding Officer (Linda Fabiani) SNP
The first item of business is a members’ business debate on motion S5M-14614, in the name of Alasdair Allan, on the centenary of the Iolaire disaster. The de...
Dr Alasdair Allan (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) (SNP) SNP
Air iomadach càrn-chogaidh air feadh na rìoghachd, tha 1914 gu 1919 sgrìobhte. Tha an dàrna bhliadhna sin a’ cuimhneachadh a’ chùmhnaint ann an Versailles a ...
The Deputy Presiding Officer SNP
We move to the open debate. We are quite tight for time, so I ask everyone to speak for no more than four minutes. 13:08
Maurice Corry (West Scotland) (Con) Con
I thank Alasdair Allan for bringing this timely debate to the chamber. The Iolaire disaster was an unequivocal tragedy of returning servicemen lost in sight...
Angus MacDonald (Falkirk East) (SNP) SNP
I thank Alasdair Allan for bringing this important debate to the chamber. I am sure that each and every resident of Lewis and Harris appreciates such a traum...
Rhoda Grant (Highlands and Islands) (Lab) Lab
I thank Alasdair Allan for securing the debate. In a year that has marked the centenary of the end of world war 1, we are fast approaching the last commemor...
John Finnie (Highlands and Islands) (Green) Green
Mòran taing, Presiding Officer. Gabhaibh mo leisgeul. Chan eil ach beagan Gàidhlig agam. Mar as àbhaist, feumaidh mi Beurla a bhruidhinn. “Bidh dùil ro fear...
The Deputy Presiding Officer SNP
I remind members that we are very tight for time. 13:26
Gillian Martin (Aberdeenshire East) (SNP) SNP
The sinking of the Iolaire with its loss of life on that night in 1919 must be one of the cruellest events in Scottish history. I thank the constituency MSP ...
Edward Mountain (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Con
I am conscious that we have heard a lot this afternoon from people who are very closely related to this incident, and I do not want to add very much more, ex...
The Deputy Presiding Officer SNP
Thank you, Mr Mountain, for giving us some time back. 13:32
Joan McAlpine (South Scotland) (SNP) SNP
I, too, pay tribute to Alasdair Allan for securing this debate. It is fitting that, almost a century after a disaster that took 201 lives, our Parliament giv...
Lewis Macdonald (North East Scotland) (Lab) Lab
I was a child in Stornoway in the 1960s, years after the Iolaire disaster. Many women of the Iolaire generation were still alive when I was a boy. I saw them...
The Deputy Presiding Officer SNP
In order to hear contributions from the final two speakers and the cabinet secretary, I am minded to accept a motion without notice, under rule 8.14.3 of the...
Kenneth Gibson (Cunninghame North) (SNP) SNP
I thank my colleague Alasdair Allan for bringing this important debate to the chamber. For those who are listening from outwith the Western Isles, this migh...
Johann Lamont (Glasgow) (Lab) Lab
I feel greatly privileged—if a little hesitant—to participate in this debate, in which we are remembering a tragedy the cruelty and impact of which are almos...
The Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs (Fiona Hyslop) SNP
I, too, thank Dr Alasdair Allan for lodging his motion and giving the Parliament the opportunity to record our recognition ahead of the commemoration of the ...