When groups lobby MSPs, Ministers, Civil Servants, Special Advisers or Law Officers, they should submit a return to the Lobbying Register. Entries can be searched at: https://lobbying.scot/SPS/LobbyingRegister/SearchLobbyingRegister
However, many meetings do not meet the criteria for lobbying, and MSPs cannot submit their own entries, meaning their Lobbying Register may seem incomplete.
Since my election last year, for transparency, I have provided regular updates on the organisations I have met with.
In the interest of simplicity and privacy for those seeking assistance, I have not included: meetings with colleagues; meetings with individual constituents; surgeries; party business; interviews, such as with journalists; Cross-Party Groups; meetings which I would normally have undertaken as a councillor, such as public committee meetings or group meetings; or Parliamentary Business undertaken such as taking part in debates, question times, and committee work.
Lochaber Hope – I met with Lochaber Hope alongside Cllr Sarah Fanet to discuss their project, the future, and how I could support their work. We also discussed personality disorders, crisis services, and the need to end stigma.
New Connections – I visited the New Connections project the day after my meeting with Lochaber Hope, met more of the people involved, and enjoyed an afternoon tea.
Listen Well – I met with a representative of the group in Nairn and discussed the need for listening skills and how I could support them to be used and supported Scotland-wide.
Nairn Community Orchard – I met with Des Scholes who told me about the group’s current work and showed me some of his trees, and then took part in a video interview for the Gurn from Nurn.
HUG – I met with a representative from HUG to discuss peer support and crisis services, as well as current political issues relating to mental health.
Elect Her – I took part in a panel event which focused on disabled women becoming active in politics.
Hitachi – I attended a lobbying event held by Hitachi on the future of rail in Scotland.
Orkney Harbour Authority – I met with representatives from OHA to discuss the recent ScotWind announcements as well as the visit from a Russian-owned oil tanker which was due to dock in the isles the following day.
Historic Forced Adoption – I attended an event sponsored by Monica Lennon MSP which hosted people with lived experience of forced adoption, who shared their stories and their wishes for actions from the Scottish Government.
Scottish Countryside Alliance – I met with the Chief Executive to discuss the draft Hunting with Dogs Bill and, in particular, the proposed licensing scheme.
Inverness Creative Academy – I visited the newly-opened second phase of the Wasps ICA and discussed how I could support them moving forward.
Scottish Trans Alliance – I met with a new employee of the organisation to discuss how we can work together, in my capacity as Co-Convener of the LGBTI CPG.
Xpo North – I met with representatives to discuss ongoing work in the region, ongoing effects of the pandemic, and their hopes for the future.
Centre for Homelessness Impact – I met with a representative during the Scottish Parliament’s Evidence Week to discuss their current projects, how we could help each other, and the politics around homelessness.
UHI– I sponsored and spoke at an event in the Scottish Parliament which hosted the UHI as well as partners in the Bryden Centre, SAMS, HIE, Wave Energy Scotland, and others.
Knocknagael Green Hub – I met with members of the team seeking to secure an asset transfer of local land for community use, discussing how I could help and what the current situation was following a successful event the previous weekend.
Close the Gap – I met with representatives of the organisation to discuss the gender pay gap and their Equally Safe at Work project, which the Highland Council is signed up to.
CalMac – I met with a representative to discuss recent constituent cases.
Wave Trust – I met with representatives to discuss their 70/30 campaign.
UCU – I met with representatives from the union to discuss current issues in the region.
Transform Scotland – I met with members to discuss their vision for improvements to rail infrastructure and services in Scotland, particularly in the Highlands and Islands, both historically and in terms of the STPR 2.
Edinburgh Political Union – I took part in an event on homelessness policy as a panel member.
If you would like your entry above removed or edited, please email emma.roddick.msp@parliament.scot
Emma Roddick MSP 