18th March 2026
Writing my final column for this newspaper gives me a moment to pause and reflect during these fast moving, final weeks as your MSP for Stirling.
When I was elected in May 2021, the pandemic dominated our lives. Parliament was quiet and offices empty. What stands out most from that time is the extraordinary sense of community across Stirling.
That spirit has been a constant throughout my time as MSP. The people of Stirling have shown that when communities act with kindness and solidarity, they can achieve remarkable things.
Over the years, our constituency has faced many tests. Storm Arwen brought major disruption in 2021. In 2022 we welcomed families fleeing the war in Ukraine. The cost of living crisis following the Truss mini budget caused real hardship for many. More recently we have seen wildfires in rural areas and recently a contaminated water supply in Killin.
Meanwhile the wider world feels increasingly unstable. The international order has been upended. The United States is lashing out unpredictably, threatening Europe, starting wars, abducting elected politicians, and backing Israel regardless of its actions in Gaza. The war in Ukraine continues and conflicts elsewhere are emboldened by the absence of moral leadership from allies we once relied upon.
These global crises bring immense human suffering and also add to the anxiety of families here in Scotland who are facing rising prices and shrinking opportunities.
I entered politics to help people. Today, even more than in 2021, I believe Scottish independence is the best way to do that and to reflect the values that define our communities: fairness, compassion, democracy, and mutual respect.
Scotland needs all the powers of a nation state, including the ability to use our own energy resources to bring down household bills rather than see profits leave the country. And we should not be tied to a UK state that took Scotland out of the European Union against our democratic wishes, making our country poorer and more isolated.
The 2021 election delivered a clear mandate for a second independence referendum however, our democratic choice is repeatedly denied by Westminster parties unwilling to allow the people of Scotland to decide their own future, because they know that Scotland’s wealth helps sustain this failing union.
My team and I have dealt with many thousands of enquiries from residents across the constituency. Behind every one of those cases was someone needing help, advice, or an ear to listen. Being able to support people through difficult situations has meant the world to me.
As I said in my very first column, I would work across party lines where it benefited this area. My contributions in Parliament, including my amendment to the Housing (Scotland) Bill to improve regulation of social housing, were cross-party collaborations.
My team’s cost of living work brought together local organisations across Stirling that were helping residents and this strengthened the network of support available locally.
Any politician is only as good as the team behind them. None of the work over the past five years would have been possible without my outstanding staff. My thanks to them for their unwavering professionalism and loyalty.
Finally, I wish whoever succeeds me as the next MSP for Stirling every success, regardless of party. I hope they experience the same warmth, engagement, and sense of community that I have been fortunate enough to encounter.
I want to say a sincere thank you to the people of this constituency for the trust you placed in me. Serving as your MSP has been the privilege of my life.
Thank you, Stirling.
