ITS GREAT TO BE THE NEW BOY

To be the new boy in any establishment is a daunting experience but to be the last MSP to be elected to the Scottish Parliament, and the majority of one for the SNP, was a totally overwhelming experience.

All of Scotland was waiting for the result from the Highlands and Islands to see whether it would be a Labour or SNP Government so when the returning officer, Arthur McCourt, informed us that four Labour and no SNP candidates had won I was initially shocked and despondent.

I very quickly realised that this could not possibly be correct, however, and challenged the result. I was confident because on election night, the night before, when I was watching the results coming through via the new electronic count, I estimated that the SNP had approximately 35% of the votes on the Regional List which would give us at least one regional seat and possibly that crucial second one.

It turned out that a simple numerical mistake had been made and, as they say, the rest is history. With my win, the SNP had 47 Members and were therefore able to form an SNP Government for the first time ever in Scotland.

It was with great pride that I was subsequently sworn in using three languages, English, Gaelic and Doric, the first MSP to do so.

Since joining the Parliament just nine weeks ago I have been appointed to the Whip's office which has meant I have got to know my colleagues quickly and just how the Parliament works. I have also become a member of two Committees, Economy, Energy and Tourism and Standards, Procedures, and Public Appointments and look forward to the challenges ahead.

Settling in has been pretty straightforward though it takes time to get everything sorted. My wife, Veronica, and I have rented a flat near the Parliament Building and I enjoy my short walk down the Canongate to work each morning.

We get the early train from Inverness on Tuesday morning and are back home late Thursday evening which allows me to get out and about in the constituency from Friday to Monday although Sunday is kept for the Kirk and our family.

I gave my maiden speech recently and chose to highlight Residential Care, in particular the possible closure of small residential homes in Highland such as Graham house at Dornie in Wester Ross, which I had the privilege of visiting last week.

It is so important that our senior citizens needing residential care can remain in their local communities so that friends and family can easily visited. I am delighted that Highland Council has now agreed to review their proposals for homes such as Graham House and trust there will be a positive outcome. Saturday 30 June was the official opening of the third session of the Parliament by the Queen and it was such a wonderful experience for me as a new MSP in the first ever SNP government. Even the rain held off for the riding with people from all over Scotland taking part.

I was delighted to welcome my 'local hero' Donnie Mackay from Dingwall to the Parliament and his guests Christine and John Jappy and Tom Whyte. A great day was had by all with a fantastic party in the park and a minimum of pomp and ceremony, which is just the way it should be.

I have just moved in, with my Office Manager, Cathy Walker, to my new Regional Office in Dingwall which is furnished with second hand furniture from the offices of those MSP's who didn't get back in. I like that as I am all for recycling and never throw anything out until forced to. I wonder who's desk I am sitting at, could it have been Tommy's?