Constituents on both sides of the argument who have written to me over the years will know that I have taken an interest in the debates around assisted dying, and particularly how it may impact disabled people. I voted against the bill at Stage 1 due to my concerns about potential coercion and the removal [...]

It’s that time of year again! My summer surgery tour will kick off soon, and I have listed those organised in the graphic below, which is available in plain text below. Please note that this list reflects the places I am travelling to for meetings and visits, and to meet with constituents in the region [...]

I came into the Scottish Parliament knowing where I stood on most issues, and usually don’t struggle to share my reasons. The Assisted Dying Bill is the piece of legislation I have spent the most time coming to a conclusion on. My instinct, as someone who has advocated for more care for dying loved ones; [...]

I was deeply concerned to hear the news last month that Rural Housing Scotland was to close.   I wrote to the Housing Minister to seek clarification on how the Scottish Government could fill the gap and continue to ensure the delivery of much-needed homes in my region – here is the reply.     [...]

I caught up with the local VoiceAbility team to chat about how things are going with the people they support accessing Social Security Scotland benefits. The team clearly cares so deeply about the folk they are helping, and we had an in-depth conversation about what could be improved. I look forward to keeping this line [...]

It was great as always to see the Inverness Highland Games so busy and vibrant last weekend. I got to say hello to lots of local organisations including the Highland Hospice, Change Mental Health, RNLI, and Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland. I had a great time at the Highland Hospice stall as they were inviting [...]

First stop on Tuesday's Summer Recess adventure schedule was Assynt Hydro Ltd. with the Assynt Crofter’s Trust and Councillor Marianne Hutchison. It was amazing hearing about how the project came together through one man - John MacKenzie’s - passion and belief in it, to it now providing a steady source of income for the Trust, [...]

Highland Stoneware is such a staple of Sutherland that it’s hard to imagine there was a time before it - but it’s now celebrating its 50th year. I got to spend part of the afternoon with its founder, David, who showed me pieces of the business’s past and present, and talked about how the team [...]

I wrote to the Scottish Government recently to ask them to recommit to our rural & island communities and make clear an SNP Government will work for them. I am glad the First Minister recognises the importance of these communities, and the need to listen to them in order to support their needs. You can [...]

I will be joining Joyce Davies and members of the local community this Sunday to commemorate International Worker’s Memorial Day in Lerwick. We will gather at the Mareel at 13:30. All are welcome to come down to reflect, speak with others, and share their stories. On Sunday evening, Shetland Arts will be lighting up the [...]