A busy,
though exciting few weeks in my life as the MSP for
Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse. From visiting primary
Schools to meeting ambassadors from across the world -
you could say there hasn’t been a dull moment!
I visited
Machanhill Primary School in Larkhall at the end of last
month. This visit gave me the opportunity to watch “The
Big Bang Show!” A topical and educational performance
funded and taught by the Scottish Opera. The show takes
the pupil performers on a whistle-stop tour of the
creation of the universe and explores the world of
energy. Three groups represent the different types of
energy - wind, water and sun, fossil fuels and nuclear
power. Each led by their own champions, they debate
which is best, until Gaia (Mother Earth) points out that
unless humans begin to take real responsibility for
their use of fossil and nuclear powers, the Earth will
die. She urges them to learn the lessons of natural
powers while there is still time. An enjoyable
experience, not only for the pupils but the audience as
well. I also recommended the pupils take the trip
through to Edinburgh and present the show to Donald
Trump, an experience I’m sure would enlighten and
ultimately ensure he withdrew his objections to the wind
farm currently being erected off the coast of Aberdeen.
Also over
the past week- in my role as MSP and convenor of the
European and External Relations committee- I have met
the Hungarian Ambassador, the Consul General of Italy
and a fantastic group from Seclin in northern France at
the Scottish Parliament. Discussing a range of things,
mainly how Scotland could and would act as a responsible
and progressive, sovereign state within the European
Union and on the World Stage, following the referendum
in the autumn of 2014.
Kate
Wolfe and Alex Salmond with me…
I have
also had the pleasure of having Kate Wolfe - a
constituent of mine and the former party leader, Billy
Wolfe’s wife – through to visit my parliamentary office.
Kate and I first met through Billy. We were acquainted
many years ago on a bus to SNP Conference in Perth.
Billy was involved in the trade union group and had come
along to my selection meeting in 2006 to lend his
support for my candidacy along with Kate. As you all
know Billy passed away 2 years ago, but in doing so left
a lasting legacy of peace and integrity. So when Kate
and I met again you can imagine how humbled I was, both
because I was in the presence of a woman who had played
such a huge part in a great leader’s life and also,
helped greatly in my success and progression as a
politician. With Kate’s arrival in parliament and the
word getting out, came the visit from our First Minister
and party leader, Alex Salmond. A man who had great
admiration of Billy Wolfe’s character and is eternally
thankful for the platform and direction he gave the
party. A great day and also a reminder of the people who
have gone before us - Billy and many others - who
dreamed of the day that is within our sights.
I have
also taken part in many activities over the past week
surrounding International Women’s Day, which took place
the 8th of March. Being a woman in a profession largely
populated by males, I felt very strongly about
contributing to the events held on IWD. One of those
being to assist the youth wing of the SNP- known as the
Young Scots for Independence (YSI) - in recruiting
females into the party. Support came from across the
country, in the form of cabinet secretaries,
parliamentarians and office bearers active in the youth
wing to ultimately produce a YouTube video entitled
‘Woman in Politics’. A project we hope will encourage
young woman to have their voice heard and realise the
platform is in place within the SNP should they wish to
use it. Please watch and share.
As the
SNP MSP for Hamilton, Larkhall & Stonehouse I am, this
week, proud to endorse a fantastic team of potential SNP
councillors. A team of champions for the council wards
which make up my constituency. They bring a blend of
experience and fresh faces, and I know them all as
dedicated, hard-working individuals who are committed to
serving the people of South Lanarkshire. I have every
faith that they will work with me to provide the best
possible representation for my constituents at local and
national level. The SNP is aiming to take control of
South Lanarkshire Council and replace a tired Labour-Tory
coalition administration which long ago ran out of ideas
and which takes the people of South Lanarkshire for
granted. I believe an SNP administration will transform
the way that the council is run, bringing transparency
and openness and putting the needs and aspirations of
South Lanarkshire’s citizens first.
All in
all, a busy yet fulfilling past couple of weeks. Now
let’s go and chap some doors and get our SNP team
elected.
Christina
Christina McKelvie MSP for Hamilton, Larkhall &
Stonehouse
