Every year on International Women’s Day, my social media feeds fill with inspirational quotes, photos of some of my favourite people, and celebrations of how far we’ve come. Being in the Scottish Parliament as a young woman, I am acutely aware of the shoulders I stand on, and I'm so proud to have got to [...]

By Emma Roddick It was lovely to be joined by friends, family, and fellow SNP members for a Race Night Fundraiser at Eden Court on Friday evening - especially as we got to welcome Fiona Hyslop MSP who came along to support the local campaign and share her take on the impressive achievement of our [...]

I am grateful to all constituents who have clicked the link to share the Believe in Scotland "End the Scottish Energy Bill Rip-Off" petition with me and happy to confirm I agree with them that this is worth supporting. I completely agree with the aims of the petition: I sincerely believe a review of energy [...]

On World Mental Health Day, we’re often encouraged to talk about mental health, but for many, it can be hard to know where to begin. For me, conversations start with challenging very simple myths about how difficult mental illness can be to live with, being clear that something “all in your head” can be as [...]

Growing up in Ross-shire, now living in Inverness, and representing the Highlands and Islands in the Scottish Parliament, this region is more than just my workplace; it’s my home.  And because of that, I care passionately about its future, and the future of the people who live here year-round - and I'm very familiar with [...]

Emma stands on a pier in the Cromarty Firth, on the eve of the 2014 referendum. Without the independence referendum, there’s not a chance I’d be doing what I’m doing today.  I wasn’t taught that there was a place for me in politics, certainly not parliament.  I was a campaigner: I was a [...]

Today’s developments on the Welfare Bill have been nothing short of a shambles. I share the deep frustration – and frankly, anger – of many disabled people across Scotland at how this has unfolded. To witness Labour swing from utterly ignoring disabled people to suddenly scrambling to change the Bill mere minutes before a crucial [...]

The Highlands and Islands is a place which constantly punches above its weight, leading in renewable energy, agriculture, and landscapes that inspire our local artists as well as those who are part of the seemingly exponential growth of visitors every year.  But increasingly, we are also constantly fighting the symptoms of depopulation. Growing up here, [...]

This week is Mental Health Awareness Week, and this year’s theme focusing on community feels incredibly relevant. It’s a chance to really think about the people around us – our friends, family, neighbours, colleagues – and how much those connections mean for our, and their, mental wellbeing. If you’ve faced mental health challenges, you are [...]

Housing is a human right. Let's tackle the housing crisis. Housing. It's a human right, right?  This leftie thinks so. A basic human right - not that there is much basic about it. It’s a fundamental need that often dictates our life trajectory: employment, education, starting a family, access to community and support, health, and [...]