“I’M A HIGHLANDS AND ISLANDS MSP FIRST” SAYS NEW MINISTER

SNP MSP Emma Roddick has told constituents she continues to be a Highlands and Islands MSP first, following her appointment to government as the new Minister for Equalities, Migration, and Refugees.  She has spent her April Recess – a two-week period where MSPs do not travel to Parliament as usual – holding surgeries and meetings in Inverness, Caithness, Orkney, Shetland, Lochaber, and Argyll.

She also hinted at good things for the Highlands and Islands in the new First Minister, Humza Yousaf’s, policy statement, taking place on Tuesday 18^th April.

She said:

“It has been great to chat to people across the Highlands and Islands about the issues that matter to them over the last fortnight.  That amount of travel is tiring, but I still feel revitalised and refocused by the conversations I’ve had and I am looking forward to getting to work as a Minister, and continuing my work as an MSP.

“I am already following up on casework I picked up over the recess and I will keep in mind the things that people have told me they want me to focus on when taking part in debates and policymaking in Edinburgh.  I hope that many will be excited and reassured by the First Minister’s policy statement next Tuesday.

“From chatting housing in the Hope in Orkney, to transport in Argyll, or biodiversity in Lochaber to women’s football in Inverness, I am always blown away by how much people care and devote their time and passion to so many incredible causes across this wonderful area.

“I am a Highlands and Islands MSP first, and I want to make clear that I am still available to help the people I represent.  Folk can get in touch with me at emma.roddick.msp@parliament.scot or by phoning 01463 563036.”