Parliamentary Speeches

17th March 2026: I start my speech with the words of Kate Buchanan, who was a constituent of mine. Kate said: “I don’t want to die, but I am going to … I want to be just like the rest of you—not thinking of dying all the time. But I can’t, it consumes me, it… Read More »Assisted Dying Bill: Speech

Thursday October 30th 2025 I thank my colleague Paul O’Kane for introducing his members’ business debate. I am absolutely delighted to speak in praise of our young carers and their support staff across Scotland, and I warmly welcome the young carers in the gallery, including those from my constituency. Ahead of the debate, I was… Read More »Young Carers Action Day 2025: Speech

14th January 2025: I am pleased to contribute to the debate, and I welcome members’ speeches. Arts and culture play a vital role in the lives of people across Scotland. They enrich our communities, support our economy and provide a space for creativity and connection. I fully support the motion, which recognises the profound value… Read More »Scotland’s support for the culture sector: Speech

20th June 2024: I am pleased to lead the members’ business debate today. As we all know, the current economic climate is extremely challenging, with years of austerity in Westminster, the cost of living crisis and Brexit. Prices are rising, wages are not going as far as they used to and many people are forced… Read More »Benefits Take-up: Speech

22nd May 2024: I thank Alexander Burnett for leading the debate. Lyme disease is an issue close to my heart. Colleagues may remember that I led a debate on the subject last year. I recently had the pleasure of hosting a reception with the Lyme Resource Centre, to kick off national Lyme disease awareness month.… Read More »Lyme Disease Awareness Month: speech

16th April 2024: I am pleased to have the opportunity to contribute to this debate on Scotland’s international culture strategy. Scotland and its worldwide connections have been on my mind recently, and I think that our international strategy is important. I was lucky enough to be invited by the Presiding Officer to spend some time… Read More »Scotland’s International Culture Strategy: speech

17th January, 2023 Callum Ferrier was a tall, happy young man. He played shinty and had just taken up rugby. With hopes of becoming a motor mechanic, he had his whole life ahead of him. In 2013, 16-year-old Callum went to bed with a sore head. He was found the next day by his father,… Read More »Cardiomyopathy: speech

Parliamentary speech – 1st November 2022 I thank Siobhian Brown for the debate and for sharing her experiences, as other members are doing tonight. At an event in summer 2018, my daughter said to me, urgently, “Mum! Mum! You must stop fanning yourself! You look unhinged!” I had no idea that I was doing it;… Read More »World Menopause Month

22nd March 2022 I am delighted to lead this debate on Scottish tourism month—a month when our nation’s tourism industry comes together to host events under the Scottish tourism banner. I thank all members who will contribute to the debate. The aim of Scottish tourism month, which is co-ordinated by the Scottish Tourism Alliance, is to engage, connect and inspire all of Scotland’s tourism industry. It celebrates… Read More »Scottish Tourism Month 2022

January 11th 2022 I thank Rachael Hamilton for bringing this important debate to the chamber and highlighting a condition that affects many women in Scotland, including me. I have endured endometriosis all my adult life, resulting in chronic pain and, at times, misery. I sought help for many years, but the pain that I experienced… Read More »Endometriosis awareness