Matty Sutton

Political journalist at @ITVBorder and @ITVBorderRB based at Holyrood. Views my own.

Stories: [email protected]

[Representing Border @ITVBorderRB]

New SNP MSP Calum Kerr uses his maiden Holyrood speech to endorse the government's planned free childcare expansion, but urges ministers to improve provision in rural areas.

@CalumRKerr also pays tribute to his predecessor, Christine Grahame

[Representing Border @ITVBorderRB]

'The personal and societal cost is tragic'

New Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP Duncan Dunlop gave his maiden Holyrood speech yesterday.

@DuncanLibDem made a passionate call for more support for care experienced young people

[Representing Border @ITVBorderRB]

Reform UK MSP Senga Beresford tells Scottish Government to 'stop focusing on the politics of division'.

In her maiden Holyrood speech, @BeresfordSenga says she sends two of her children to school in England, due to concerns about Scottish education

[Representing Border @ITVBorderRB]

'If she says she knew nothing, then clearly the police believed her, we should believe her too.'

Kate Higgins, who worked as a special adviser to Nicola Sturgeon, defends her former boss.

She calls former SNP Chief Exec Peter Murrell 'devious'

[Representing Border @ITVBorderRB]

Conservative peer Lord Alister Jack says Labour should stick with Keir Starmer.

Former Scottish Secretary knows about being in the bunker when a Prime Minister's in peril, having been one of Boris Johnson's closest allies.

He says constantly changing PM is 'damaging' to UK

[Representing Border @ITVBorderRB]

'We can't afford for the chaos and paralysis at Westminster to go on any longer'

New @theSNP Westminster leader @DaveDooganSNP explains why the SNP are attempting to force a vote on the Prime Minister's future

[Representing Border @ITVBorderRB]

Senior Scottish Labour MSP Daniel Johnson says he 'stands by' Anas Sarwar's call for Keir Starmer to quit, telling @KieranPAndrews 'swift and decisive' action is needed.

Pauline McNeill says 'it's clear Keir Starmer has to be held to account' after poor election results

[Representing Border @ITVBorderRB]

'Definitely feels like first day at school. I even came with a little backpack'

New @scottishgreens South Scotland MSP @Laura_Moodie tells @KieranPAndrews about her first day at Holyrood.

@DuncanLibDem from @scotlibdems says it's the 'most comprehensive induction' he's ever had

[Representing Border @ITVBorderRB]

.@Gillian_Mackay1 says she's 'really confident' of the @scottishgreens gaining an MSP in the south of Scotland at this week's Holyrood election.

@Ross_Greer says they are using opposition to @ReformUKScot to try and motivate floating voters.

[Representing Border @ITVBorderRB]

It would be 'far quicker' to re-open the Stranraer-Dumfries rail line than to dual the A75, claims @Ross_Greer.

The Scottish Greens co-leader says the rail upgrade would take at least five years but insists it would be better for freight transport.

[Representing Border @ITVBorderRB]

Do you know the difference between the peach and lilac ballot papers?

Here's a simple explanation of how the Scottish Parliament voting system works #Holyrood2026

[Representing Border @ITVBorderRB]

Tonight's Representing Border comes from St Abbs, twinned with New Asgard thanks to @Avengers filming.

So which superheroes do Scottish political leaders see themselves as?

We asked @JohnSwinney @RussellFindlay1 @AnasSarwar @Malcolm_Offord @Ross_Greer @agcolehamilton.

[Representing Border @ITVBorderRB]

The Scottish Liberal Democrat leader says he's committed to addressing the 'unmet need' of young mental health patients in south Scotland.

@KieranPAndrews asks if his pledge for new child mental health beds north of Dundee will also apply in Borders and Dumfries & Galloway.

[Representing Border @ITVBorderRB]

Do you want @AnasSarwar to be the next First Minister?
The Scottish Liberal Democrat leader says: 'No.'

@agcolehamilton adds: 'There are no pacts or alliances with Labour.'

[Representing Border @ITVBorderRB]

'I'm acutely aware of my safety. I'm careful about what I do, where I go.'

Former crime journalist @RussellFindlay1 tells @KieranPAndrews organised gangs he reported on may regard 'business as being unfinished'.

[Representing Border @ITVBorderRB]

'It's such a monumental waste of time and energy.'

@RussellFindlay1 says there shouldn't be a second independence referendum even if the SNP wins a majority at May's Holyrood election.

[Representing Border @ITVBorderRB]

EXCL: @AnasSarwar pledges to fully dual the A75 and A77 if he becomes first minister.

That is seen as the most expensive option for upgrading the key roads but @ScottishLabour leader refuses to set out cost or timetable before a full business case is produced.

[Representing Border @ITVBorderRB]

'I accept that people will be anxious. I totally understand that anxiety. But if people just go about things in the normal fashion, we'll be okay.'

@JohnSwinney says people should not panic buy fuel amid rising prices and worries about the conflict in the Middle East.

[Representing Border @ITVBorderRB]

'I don't think Holyrood is family friendly'

Dumfriesshire MSP Oliver Mundell shares his frustrations about the Scottish Parliament as he stands down. He's had two daughters since his election in 2016.

[Representing Border @ITVBorderRB]

'There's a lot of bad manners in the chamber'

As Borders MSP Christine Grahame steps down after 27 years at Holyrood, she tells @KieranPAndrews how the Parliament has changed.