Liam McArthur has been sworn in as Orkney’s MSP in a ceremony today marking the beginning of the sixth session of the Scottish Parliament.
Taking the oath for the fourth time since first being elected in 2007, Mr McArthur will now represent the Orkney Islands in Holyrood over the next five years.
Mr McArthur retained the seat after winning 62% of the vote in the Holyrood election held on Thursday 6 May.
This is the highest percentage vote for any constituency MSP in the current parliament.
Commenting following the ceremony, Mr McArthur said:
“It is a tremendous privilege to represent our islands in the Scottish Parliament and I’m grateful to voters in Orkney for putting their trust in me to continue in this role over the next five years.
“There is important work to be done during the course of this parliament, and I am eager to get started.
“From navigating our recovery from the pandemic to taking meaningful action to tackle the climate emergency, the challenges we face demand complete focus and attention.
“As ever, my priority will be to highlight the needs of islanders and our island communities, making sure this voice is heard loud and clear in the important debates that lie ahead.
“I also look forward to getting to know many of the new MSPs that have been elected to what is a more diverse parliament.
“Hopefully, there will be opportunities to work collaboratively on issues of common interest.”
