Orcadian Column, 3 October 2024

I can now say I have introduced the Queen to Marty Flett. Fortunately, Marty was on his best behaviour, granted not a high bar, but it was enough to keep me out of the Tower of London for now – despite having accidentally ‘photo bombed’ the King and Queen during pictures taken earlier in the day.

There were many highlights from Saturday’s event marking 25 years since the re-establishment of the Scottish Parliament. The musical performances were all outstanding, and none more so than that of Sistema Scotland’s Big Noise. A concept originally developed in Venezuela, Sistema shows how music can help disadvantaged young people build self-confidence and other valuable life skills. Their rendition of Highland Cathedral left not a dry eye in the house.

For me, though, it was the presence of ‘local heroes’, like Marty, from communities all around Scotland that made the occasion extra special. Since 1999, Holyrood has prided itself on being open and accessible, always looking for new ways to engage with the public, including by taking the business of parliament out to where people are.

Welcoming almost 100 individuals who have made such a positive contribution to their communities, therefore, was fitting and it was a pleasure for me to join the Presiding Officer in introducing them to the King and Queen. Hearing each ‘local hero’ tell their story about raising funds, delivering services, supporting the most vulnerable was truly inspirational.

Earlier, the King spoke of his personal affection for what he called the Caledonian kaleidoscope, while each of the party leaders responded with their own reflections on 25 years of the parliament: the successes and changes made, but also the frustrations and reforms still required. 

I don’t suppose there are many parliaments that can boast high levels of popularity, but I do believe that Holyrood has been effective in bringing decision-making closer to those it directly affects. Even so, it could and should go further. Devolution was never intended to stop at Edinburgh and an increasing tendency towards centralisation is a threat, not least to our islands.

It's also fair to point out that parliament’s Committees have often struggled to assert their independence. There have been notable exceptions, of course, but it is generally accepted that the Committee system needs reinvigorating.

The ban on smoking in public places, free personal care for the elderly, protections for vulnerable adults and an end to feudal tenure speak to just some of the legislative achievements of devolution. At the same time, a focus on passing legislation but then ignoring how it works in practice is a legitimate criticism that can be levelled, with the failure to meet our interim climate change targets an obvious recent example.

Too much time has also been spent arguing about the powers we don’t have rather than debating how to make best use of the powers we do in one of the most powerful devolved legislatures anywhere in the world. It’s a point the First Minister has appeared to acknowledge, before then going on in the next breath to stoke constitutional divisions.  

Talking of which, it will be interesting to see how newly-elected Scottish Conservative leader, Russell Findlay approaches his role. Mr Findlay inherits a deeply-divided parliamentary party from his predecessor, Douglas Ross and the ‘smart money’ is on a further lurch to the right. This will certainly alienate many in his group, which is not a happy camp at present. The leadership contest at a UK level is doing nothing to lighten that mood.

By contrast, the Pasta Parliament is a joyous place. Having previously been elected to Evie Primary School’s Potato Parliament, I felt honoured on returning to the school on Monday to find I’ve now made it into the new Pasta Parliament, thanks to the creative genius of P7 pupil, Josie. 

I spent a very enjoyable hour with Josie and her classmates discussing democracy, the role of an MSP and what laws they would introduce. I was also asked to decide between winning the Parish Cup or getting re-elected as Orkney’s MSP. Politics can be tough sometimes, but the prospect of Sanday beating Marty Flett’s beloved Holm in next year’s Parish Cup final does sound appealing.