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Every contribution to the Official Report — chamber and committee — searchable in one place. Pulled from data.parliament.scot, indexed for full-text search, linked through to every MSP.

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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

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

Deputy Presiding Officers

Ballot papers up the back. Please vote now.Members voted by secret ballot.

The Presiding Officer NPA Chamber

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Presiding Officer

This voting period is now open, using the same voting procedure as before.Members voted by secret ballot.

The Presiding Officer Chamber

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Plenary, 27 Mar 2003

27 Mar 2003 · S1 · Plenary

Item of business

Question Time

Scottish Borders (Economy)

SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE

MacDonald, Margo Ind Lothians Watch on SPTV

And I was going to say something nice about you, Presiding Officer.

In the same item of business

10. Christine Grahame (South of Scotland) (SNP): SNP

To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it has taken to promote the economic well-being of the Scottish Borders. (S1O-6709)

The Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning (Iain Gray): Lab

A wide range of policies promotes economic well-being. Scottish Enterprise Borders is taking action in line with the direction and priorities that are set ou...

Christine Grahame: SNP

As the minister is aware, the draft bill for the Borders rail link was lodged this week. Given that the Borders has suffered a net loss of 500 jobs since Lab...

Iain Gray: Lab

As Christine Grahame knows well from previous exchanges, we are keen to see progress on the matter. However, the business case is not staring me in the face ...

Ian Jenkins (Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale) (LD): LD

Does the minister agree that, although there are real problems in the Borders economy, there are also real grounds for optimism? The population of the Border...

The Presiding Officer: NPA

I am interested in the Borders, but I would like a question.

Ian Jenkins: LD

Does the minister agree that none of those things—apart perhaps from the railway—seems to interest Ms Grahame, who prefers to launch lightning raids on the B...

Iain Gray: Lab

I can only agree. I take this opportunity to pay tribute to Mr Jenkins's far more constructive approach both to representing his constituents and the interes...

The Presiding Officer: NPA

I call Margo MacDonald.

Dorothy-Grace Elder (Glasgow) (Ind) rose— Ind

The Presiding Officer: NPA

A case of mistaken identity. I call Margo MacDonald.

Margo MacDonald (Lothians) (Ind): Ind

And I was going to say something nice about you, Presiding Officer.

The Presiding Officer: NPA

Let us hear from the right independent.

Margo MacDonald: Ind

On the regeneration of the Borders economy, will the minister explain why the Executive has chosen to transfer 270 Scottish Natural Heritage jobs to Invernes...

The Presiding Officer: NPA

I know that it is the end of term, but let us have a question.

Margo MacDonald: Ind

The question is about the policy of moving 270 jobs. I am in agreement with those other MSPs that I mentioned. I do not agree with the transfer of those jobs...

Iain Gray: Lab

The connection between Margo MacDonald's question and the original question is the 200 civil service jobs at the Scottish Public Pensions Agency that were re...