Today, I delivered my first speech in the Scottish Parliament. It was a moment I will remember for the rest of my life.
Like many people who watched the election campaign unfold, I still find it slightly surreal to be standing in the Parliament as the MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch. Making that first speech carries a special significance. It is a Parliamentary tradition that allows new members to introduce themselves, pay tribute to those who have represented the area before them, and set out the values and priorities they hope to bring to their new role.
While the debate itself was about wealth taxation, I wanted to use the opportunity to speak about the constituency and communities that sent me to Holyrood.
Anyone who has heard a first speech will know that there is a proud tradition of celebrating the constituency you represent, and I was determined to do exactly that. I spoke about the extraordinary geography of our area, from the UK’s highest mountain to its deepest loch, from the most westerly point on the British mainland to the largest landslip in the country. I even managed to mention monsters and porridge along the way.
But beyond the scenery and landmarks, I wanted colleagues from across Scotland to understand what makes this part of the country special: its people. The communities of Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch are resilient, resourceful and fiercely proud of where they live. They are also communities that too often feel overlooked when decisions are made hundreds of miles away.
Throughout the speech, I drew on experiences from my own life. Before entering Parliament, I spent many years as a local postmaster, community volunteer, and councillor. Those roles allowed me to listen to thousands of conversations about the challenges people face in their everyday lives. Whether it is access to healthcare, transport, housing, childcare, or simply getting a fair deal for rural communities, those conversations have shaped my understanding of what matters most to local people.
That is why I wanted my first speech to emphasise the importance of putting people first. Politics can sometimes become focused on systems, structures and statistics. While those things matter, they only matter because of the impact they have on people’s lives. Good representation starts with listening, and that is the approach I intend to take throughout my time as an MSP.
My first speech was an important milestone, but it was also just one day in what I hope will be many years of service to the constituency. The real measure of success will not be speeches made in Parliament but the difference we can make for the people who live and work across Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch.
I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to represent this remarkable constituency. It was an honour to stand in the chamber and speak about the place I call home, and I look forward to continuing to be a strong voice for our communities in the years ahead.