The number of young Scots learning to play an instrument has almost doubled since this policy was introduced just five years ago - that is an immense achievement. www.gov.scot/news/nearly-...

Nearly 30,000 more students benefit from free music tuition

Removing fees boosts school instrument uptake.

gov.scot

We need to do all we can to get young people out of unemployment and moving our economy moving forward - that’s exactly what this support does.

Who can apply

Learn about who can apply for Job Start Payment, applying as a young person and how to apply for the benefit if you're a care leaver.

mygov.scot

Carr Gomm provide a first class responder service and I was pleased to hear this had been recognised at the European Social Services Conference in Malta. I have lodged a motion to the Scottish Parliament to further this recognition.

Eradicating child poverty is at the heart of the SNPs vision for Scotland and organisations like Inspiralba are key to delivering on that goal here in Argyll and Bute.

The A83 Rest and Be Thankful is an essential artery for traffic flowing in and out of Argyll and Bute.

Happy to lodge a motion recognising thie amazing work of Otter Ferry Seafish and this investment from HIE: www.hie.co.uk/news-and-blo...

Glad to have the opportunity to ask the Scottish Government about it plans for reforming grant schemes to better support the third sector as public sector reform is considered.

In Argyll & Bute we have excellent maternity services and I was pleased to have an opportunity to highlight this in Parliament yesterday and to ask the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Care about how the Scottish Government will ensure the current 24 hour midwife led community service is maintained.

How much do you know about Scotland’s Rainforest? Did you know that around 50% of it is here in Argyll and Bute? Did you know Cowal is home to rare species including glow-worms?

📣 Nature Champions News! 📣 @jennimintomsp.bsky.social is the #NatureChampion for Scotland's Rainforest! Jenni will work with @johnmuirtrust.bsky.social, @plantlifeuk.bsky.social + @wtscotsocial.bsky.social to champion these globally rare habitats in Holyrood. 👇 www.scotlink.org/species/scot...

Our Emergency Services are absolutely vital and with so many coastal communities in Argyll and Bute, I completely understand the concerns raised with me by constituents of proposals to move to a wholly volunteer coastguard service.

I know how vital Scotland’s amazing natural environment is to my health and well being. That’s why I was so pleased to join Scottish Environment Link outside Scotland’s Parliament. Together we can make Scotland’s nature thrive. 🌳🐝🐦‍⬛🦋

Great to chat with the SAMH team in Parliament yesterday about their #WeePinkDot campaign. Ending the stigma around discussing our mental health is so important.

Thank you to the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Care Angela Constance MSP for her kind words during her opening speech this afternoon. Wishing the new Scottish Government health team all the best!

I was very sad to hear about Donnie's passing last week. He was a gentleman who always had a twinkle in his eye and a big smile. I have submitted a motion to the Scottish Parliament in recognition of his life and service to his community. My thoughts are with his family and friends.

It was a privilege to attend Anam Cara Fasgnadh butterfly release at Dunollie on Saturday. To join families to remember their child that was taken to soon and hear their stories is humbling - thank you 💛

I have submitted a motion to the Scottish Parliament to recognise Brown's Tobermory's recent success at the Countryside Alliance Awards.

I am looking for Argyll and Bute’s local hero - can you help? With the new Parliamentary session now underway, the Official Opening Ceremony is just around the corner and each MSP is given the opportunity to invite a ‘Local Hero’ for the constituency to attend as their guest.

The First Home Fund was a key manifesto commitment and one that I know many voters in Argyll and Bute were keen to hear more about. I was pleased to hear from the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice and Housing that this scheme will open by the end of June.

Local groups and projects have until Tuesday 4th August to apply to SSEN Transmissions Argyll Community Benefit Fund. For more details visit: www.ssen-transmission.co.uk/news/news--v...

Yesterday I was delighted to cast my vote for John Swinney as Scotland’s First Minister. It has been such an honour to serve in his Government. However, after some careful reflection I have made the decision to resign from my role as Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health. 1/2

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Congratulations to John Swinney on being elected First Minister of Scotland by the Scottish Parliament. The SNP Scottish Government has secured a renewed mandate and will always be on your side. Thank you to everyone who voted SNP.

I love this country and it is the privilege of my life to be elected as your First Minister at the Scottish Parliament today. I will give everything I have to deliver on your priorities, and to fulfil Scotland’s enormous potential. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Tighnabruaich is a jewel on Argyll & Bute’s coastline. It needs to remain that way. I was pleased to join the community on Saturday as part of their campaign to reduce sewage in Scotland’s waters.

A brilliant day at the Argyll and Bute Council Gaelic Gathering in the Corran Halls on Friday. Fantastic to hear about all the amazing Gaelic work happening across Argyll & Bute. It keeps me focused on continuing Duolingo! Moran taing a h-uile duine!

A real honour to once again be sworn in as MSP for Argyll and Bute. Now to get to work delivering for our communities. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

The rose of all the world is not for me. I want for my part Only the little white rose of Scotland That smells sharp and sweet—and breaks the heart.

Kids should not be growing up with vapes and nicotine products being marketed at them. The SNP will ban the advertisement, promotion and retail visibility of vapes and nicotine pouches, treating them the same way as tobacco products. On 7 May, make it both votes SNP.

Great to be out speaking to voters in Lochgilphead this afternoon. Thanks to all the volunteers who turned out to help. 💛

I'm in Tarbert next week, if you would like an appointment at my advice surgery please get in touch.