Newly elected MSPs from across the Highlands and Moray have officially been sworn into the Scottish Parliament following last week’s Holyrood election.
Laura Mitchell was formally sworn in as MSP for Moray and took her affirmation in both English and Doric during the ceremony.
Mitchell, who is from Keith, also held a piece of the Clavie during the proceedings with fragments from the Burghead fire festival traditionally associated with good fortune.
She said:
“It is an absolute privilege to represent the people of Moray and our truly unique communities in the Scottish Parliament.
“Moray is my home and I will work hard to represent everyone in Moray over the next five years.
“Given I’m from Scotland’s first Scots Toun Keith, it was only right that I take the affirmation in Doric, which is an important part of our culture here in Moray and the tongue still used by many families, including my own.
“It was also special to hold a stave of the Clavie, which I was fortunate enough to have received at this year’s Burning of the Clavie, and I hope it will bring me good fortune as I begin my term as Moray’s MSP.
“Over the course of the next five years, I will be doing all I can stand up for Moray and support my constituents anyone who feels I can be of any assistance should get in touch.”
Meanwhile, Scottish Liberal Democrats MSPs David Green, Andrew Baxter and Morven-May MacCallum were also sworn into the Scottish Parliament.
Green was sworn in as MSP for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross.
He said:
“It was truly humbling to be sworn in as the MSP for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross.
“Our part of the world has distinct needs, from the lack of affordable housing to the emergency in social care.
“My task now is to make sure those needs are heard loud and clear.
“My immediate priority is to press ministers for an independent review of maternity services in Caithness.
“That is what MSPs in the last parliament voted for, that is what the government must now deliver.
“I take the responsibility of my position in parliament very seriously.
“I promise to put in the work, day-in, day-out, to deliver for my constituents and the Highlands.”
Baxter was sworn in as MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch.
He said:
“I feel deeply honoured to be the new MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch.
“I am looking forward to taking forward the issues that people raised with me throughout the campaign, be that housing, healthcare or the state of our ferry network.
“I want to hit the ground running, and I will be holding surgeries in Nethy Bridge and Kingussie over the weekend, which I would encourage my constituents to come along to.
“The hard work begins now, and I will endeavour to do my very best for everyone in Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch.”
MacCallum was sworn in as a Highlands and Islands regional MSP.
She said:
“It is an incredible privilege to be representing communities across the Highlands and Islands, from Shetland to Argyll & Bute.
“The challenge ahead is no small one, but I am determined to deliver for people on the issues that matter to them.
“Scottish Liberal Democrats ran a campaign that was all about fixing our NHS, upgrading our roads, ending the ferries fiasco and getting Scotland moving again.
“In the days and weeks ahead, I will be fighting in parliament to make these ambitions a reality.
“I am going to give this job my all, and I want to thank everyone across the Highlands and Islands again for putting their trust in me.”
