Today in #PQs in the Scottish Parliament, I asked the Scottish Government on what discussions the Economy Secretary has had with business leaders to help maximise the economic impact of Edinburgh’s festivals.
#ScottishParliament#workingforyou#Edinburghfestivals
Today I had the pleasure of meeting Judith Connell from @kidneycareuk at the Scottish Parliament ahead of tonight’s debate on Recognising the Impact of Chronic Kidney Disease.
Over 600,000 people in Scotland are living with CKD, yet there is still no government framework for kidney disease. Behind every number is a family, a story, and daily challenges that deserve to be seen and supported.
#CKD #KidneyCare #ScotParl
This week I met with the team from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to hear about the incredible projects they support across Scotland, and how their funding helps bring community-led heritage projects to life.
A big thank you to @HeritageFundUK for the opportunity to hear more about their impact and future plans.
#HeritageFund #NationalLottery
Yesterday in Parliament, I spoke about the urgent need to raise awareness of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).
🔹 Around 10% of Scotland’s population live with CKD, yet a third remain undiagnosed.
🔹 At-home dialysis can give patients more control and free up NHS time, but only 12.5% currently access it.
🔹 Prevention must be our focus: education, early intervention, and support for communities most at risk.
The upcoming long-term conditions strategy is a real opportunity to ensure CKD doesn’t remain overlooked. Everyone deserves the chance to live well and manage their health with dignity.
#CKD #KidneyHealth #ScottishParliament #PublicHealth
This week I had the chance to hear more about the work of Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere 🌿
Designated in 2012 as the first UNESCO Biosphere in Scotland, the team leads the way in balancing the needs of people, economy, and environment across rural communities.
Their work spans:
🌍 Community-led climate action
🌳 Nature restoration
💡 Sustainable business development
It was inspiring to learn how Scotland’s rural communities are shaping a greener, more resilient future.
I had the opportunity to meet with Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems (@SHAAPAlcohol) at @scotparl today. Their #SeeBeyondScotland campaign is a powerful reminder of how deeply families and friends are affected by the loss of a loved one to alcohol or drugs.
Lovely to meet with Care & Repair Edinburgh today and hear more about the repair services they offer to older and disabled people, also supporting them with home adaptations. Learn more: https://t.co/D0AhoqWHuU
@carerepairedin
Thank you to Mothers Against Genocide Scotland for organising yesterday’s vigil outside the Scottish Parliament, and to everyone who gathered in solidarity.
It was a deeply moving tribute to the children of Gaza, a heartbreaking reminder of the innocent lives taken, and of the families who continue to suffer unimaginable loss.
#MothersAgainstGenocide #Scotland
Great to hear about the energy services available for constituents as winter approaches. These initiatives help households use energy more efficiently, cutting CO2 emissions while also saving money 💰.
Delivered by Smart Energy GB in partnership with the @EnergySvgTrust, @EAS_Scotland, and @ChangeworksUK, they’re making a real difference for communities across Scotland.
Last Saturday I had the pleasure of visiting Outer Spaces at their Edinburgh Art Festival Pavilion on Leith Street and seeing the Project Cube Studio Programme in action.
It was inspiring to see university students and early career artists confidently showcasing their work and sharing their creative journeys. Opportunities like this don’t just happen; they’re made possible because organisations like Outer Spaces and the Scottish Contemporary Art Network open doors, providing free studio space and a platform for artists to create, connect, and thrive.
Spaces like this matter. They give emerging artists the chance to develop their practice, build confidence, and enrich Scotland’s cultural life.
A big thank you to @sca_net and Outer Spaces for the warm welcome, and for the brilliant work you do to support creativity in our communities.
📷 Photos by Neil Hanna
Delighted to welcome Priya Mallick (@priyamallickofficial), the renowned Bollywood singer, to Scotland and the Scottish Parliament! ✨🎶
Her visit was organised by the Mithila Cultural Society UK and facilitated by the Edinburgh Bihari Community. It was a pleasure to meet her and celebrate the vibrant cultural connections between Scotland and India.
#PriyaMallick #BollywoodSinger #ScottishParliament #EdinburghBihariCommunity #MithilaCulturalSociety
From vulnerable individuals pushed out of temporary accommodation, to staff working long hours for low pay, to performers priced out of the stage, the hidden cost of our festival economy is heavier than we admit.
📰 Read the full story in @NorthEdNews_NEN
🔗 https://t.co/e7IoX3kInl
Delighted to have been selected as @ScottishLabour’s candidate for Edinburgh Northern.
This is a brand-new seat and one we can win together. I’m ready to work hard for every community, every street, and every voice. Our journey starts today.
#EdinburghNorthern#ScottishLabour #TimeForChange
Great to visit @bbcscotland offices in Edinburgh today, and discuss the importance of public service broadcasting as well as the BBC's role in supporting Scotland's creative sector.
#workingforyou#bbcscotland