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Presiding Officer @presidingofficer.parliament.scot · 09/10/2026

This week I welcomed Ruslan Bolbocean, Ambassador of the Republic of Moldova, to The Scottish Parliament where we discussed areas of common interest including academia, technology and tourism.

The Presiding Officer meets the Moldovan Ambassador

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Presiding Officer @presidingofficer.parliament.scot · 09/10/2026

I recently met Indian Consul General Siddharth Malik. We discussed economic, academic and direct air links and how our nations and Scotland’s Indian diaspora can work even more closely together.

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Presiding Officer @presidingofficer.parliament.scot · 02/10/2026

This week I met with Kristina Herbst, President of the State Parliament of Schleswig-Holstein where we discussed science, technology, cultural connections and island communities.

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Presiding Officer @presidingofficer.parliament.scot · 02/10/2026

A pleasure to meet with the Italian Consul General Luca Fratini this week, and to grow the longstanding ties between Italy and Scotland. Our discussions included the remarkable contribution to Scotland of Italian Scots.

An image of The Presiding Officer shaking hands with the Italian Consul General.

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Presiding Officer @presidingofficer.parliament.scot · 25/09/2026

This week I welcomed Zhang Biao, Chinese Consul General to @scotparl.bsky.social and we had a very constructive discussion.

An image of The Presiding Officer shaking hands with the Chinese Consul General.

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Presiding Officer @presidingofficer.parliament.scot · 18/09/2026

This week I welcomed Sanja Štiglic, the Ambassador of Slovenia, to The Scottish Parliament where we spoke of how we can grow the relationship between our countries.

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Presiding Officer @presidingofficer.parliament.scot · 17/09/2026

A pleasure to meet with President of Ireland Catherine Connolly at The Royal Society of Edinburgh. Our countries are linked by history, culture, strong economic links, and enduring friendship. I welcome the chance to further strengthen the bond between our nations.

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Presiding Officer @presidingofficer.parliament.scot · 08/09/2026

Last week I met with Clemens Hoch, Minister for Science, Further Education and Health for Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. We discussed technology, culture and university cooperation, and I look forward to continuing to grow the relationship between our legislatures.

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Presiding Officer @presidingofficer.parliament.scot · 07/09/2026

Recently, I had the pleasure of welcoming His Excellency Jay Weatherill, High Commissioner of Australia, to @parliament.scot I welcome the opportunity to continue to strengthen the bonds between our countries.

The Presiding Officer shakes hands with the High Commissioner of Australia.

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Presiding Officer @presidingofficer.parliament.scot · 01/07/2026

It was a tremendous privilege to be granted an audience with HRH The King at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. I thanked him on behalf of all The Scottish Parliament for officially opening this 7th session of Parliament. 📷Press Association

Presiding Officer Kenneth Gibson (left) shaking hands with HRH The King

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Presiding Officer @presidingofficer.parliament.scot · 10/06/2026

The Presiding Officer has selected an Urgent Question for this afternoon. Paul Sweeney will ask the Scottish Government what urgent action it will take in response to the reported violent racist demonstrations that took place last night in Glasgow.

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Presiding Officer @presidingofficer.parliament.scot · 26/05/2026

The Presiding Officer has selected an Urgent Question for this afternoon. Rachael Hamilton will ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the impact on public confidence in political institutions in Scotland following the guilty plea by former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell.

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Presiding Officer @presidingofficer.parliament.scot · 21/05/2026

The Presiding Officer has informed Parliament of changes to business. Kenneth Gibson MSP has made key changes including: 🟣 FMQs now twice a week 🟣 Questions for FMQs will NOT be published in advance 🟣 More General Questions

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Presiding Officer @presidingofficer.parliament.scot · 19/05/2026

The Presiding Officer has selected an Urgent Question for this afternoon. Adam Harley MSP will ask Scottish Government what discussions it has had with Police Scotland, local authorities and football stakeholders following the disorder seen in Glasgow city centre last weekend.

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Presiding Officer @presidingofficer.parliament.scot · 14/05/2026

It's an honour and a privilege to be elected Presiding Officer at The Scottish Parliament Congratulations to my two new Deputy Presiding Officers Clare Adamson MSP and Katy Clark MSP. We will work together on behalf of all Members at Holyrood.

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Presiding Officer @presidingofficer.parliament.scot · 14/05/2026

Congratulations to my successor Kenneth Gibson on becoming The Scottish Parliament's seventh Presiding Officer. I wish him every success for the new session at Holyrood. It has been the privilege of my life to serve the Parliament and to hold this office.

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Presiding Officer @presidingofficer.parliament.scot · 13/05/2026

I am delighted to welcome Scotland’s new MSPs to The Scottish Parliament. There is no greater privilege than serving the people of Scotland and I wish them well on their journey.

The Presiding Officer welcomes new MSPs to the Scottish Parliament.

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Presiding Officer @presidingofficer.parliament.scot · 06/05/2026

It was a real privilege to be given a tour of Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory and to hear the powerful stories behind this historic place and their work with veterans today. A poignant reminder of lives lost, those who died in war, and the lasting impact conflict had on families & communities.

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Presiding Officer @presidingofficer.parliament.scot · 14/04/2026

Delighted to meet with The Hon Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, and discuss our shared ties and commitment to working together. On behalf of The Scottish Parliament my sincere thanks to everyone in the US and Canada who has given their time so generously to meet with us.

Alison Johnstone (seated) signing a visitor book, pictured with The Hon Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, in a wood-panelled room, with a polished desk and lit table lamp.

Alison Johnstone (left) pictured with The Hon Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, in front of flags.

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Presiding Officer @presidingofficer.parliament.scot · 14/04/2026

Great to renew our close bonds of friendship with Canada on behalf of all @parliament.scot as we visit the Legislative Assembly of Ontario and meet Speaker Hon Donna Skelly MPP and Ontario's Premier Hon Doug Ford MPP and his ministerial colleagues.

Alison Johnstone on the steps of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, with flags flying above the entrance.

Premier of Ontario Doug Ford MPP presents Alison Johnstone with an Toronto FC top.

Alison Johnstone (left) meets Donna Skelly MPP, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.

Left to right: Graham McGregor MPP, Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism; Premier of Ontario Doug Ford; Alison Johnstone MSP; Dave Smith MPP; and Matthew Rae MPP.

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Presiding Officer @presidingofficer.parliament.scot · 14/04/2026

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Presiding Officer @presidingofficer.parliament.scot · 12/04/2026

It was an honour to represent The Scottish Parliament at the Tartan Day Parade in New York yesterday. A wonderful celebration of Scotland and a chance to recognise the contribution of Scots Americans, and Scottish culture and heritage. Thank you NYC!

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Presiding Officer @presidingofficer.parliament.scot · 12/04/2026

It's been a great start to Tartan Week being here in New York on behalf of The Scottish Parliament. On Thursday, I met with Dr. Nantasha Williams, Deputy Speaker of New York City Council and Commissioner Tascha Van Auken, and, on Friday, I had the honour of speaking in Bryant Park.

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Presiding Officer @presidingofficer.parliament.scot · 27/03/2026

This session we have celebrated our most diverse membership ever @parliament.scot. I thank them all for their contribution to Parliament. I hope that the 45% of women colleagues we have today isn’t a high point, but the foundation of a truly representative Parliament

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Presiding Officer @presidingofficer.parliament.scot · 24/03/2026

3. @alex.scotlibdems.org.uk will ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to protect people receiving and awaiting social care packages, following warnings from industry leaders that home care services are heading towards a “catastrophic breakdown”. Watch from 2.05pm: www.scottishparliament.tv

A graphic that says "Topical Question - Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP" beside a photo of Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP.

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Presiding Officer @presidingofficer.parliament.scot · 24/03/2026

2. Sharon Dowey will ask the Scottish Government for its response to reported comments by @fbunational.bsky.social that years of real-terms budget reductions have left @scottishfirerescue.bsky.social “creaking”, and that proposed workforce reductions would increase the risk to community safety.

A graphic that says "Topical Question - Sharon Dowey MSP" beside a photo of Sharon Dowey MSP.

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Presiding Officer @presidingofficer.parliament.scot · 24/03/2026

I've selected 3 Topical Questions for this afternoon. 1. Carol Mochan will ask the Scottish Government what its response is to recent findings by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service that 29 babies have died as a result of co-sleeping in Scotland in the last two years.

A graphic that says "Topical Question - Carol Mochan MSP" beside a photo of Carol Mochan MSP.

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Presiding Officer @presidingofficer.parliament.scot · 17/03/2026

3. Liam Kerr MSP will ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the impact on Police Scotland of the Budget 2026-27 allocation being £50 million less than the amount requested by the Chief Constable. Watch from 2.05pm: www.scottishparliament.tv

A graphic that says "Topical Question - Liam Kerr MSP" beside a photo of Liam Kerr MSP.

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Presiding Officer @presidingofficer.parliament.scot · 17/03/2026

2. Alasdair Allan MSP will ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update regarding the steps being taken to support families with the cost of living, in light of the conflict in the Middle East and its impact on heating oil prices.

A graphic that says "Topical Question - Alasdair Allan MSP" beside a photo of Alasdair Allan MSP.

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Presiding Officer @presidingofficer.parliament.scot · 17/03/2026

I've selected 3 Topical Questions for this afternoon. 1. Carol Mochan MSP will ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking in response to reports that one in five adults in Scotland are unable to access dental care.

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Presiding Officer @presidingofficer.parliament.scot · 10/03/2026

2. John Mason MSP to ask the Scottish Government what discussions have taken place with football authorities concerning the recent deplorable fan behaviour after the match between Celtic and Rangers. Watch from 2.05pm: www.scottishparliament.tv

A graphic that says "Topical Question - John Mason MSP" beside a photo of John Mason MSP.

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Presiding Officer @presidingofficer.parliament.scot · 10/03/2026

I have selected 2 topical questions to be asked in @parliament.scot this afternoon. 1. Annie Wells MSP to ask the Scottish Government what its response is to the fire at Union Street in Glasgow.

A graphic that says "Topical Question - Annie Wells MSP" beside a photo of Annie Wells MSP.

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Presiding Officer @presidingofficer.parliament.scot · 08/03/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us in @parliament.scot to mark International Women’s Day 2026. Such a thoughtful discussion about barriers to women participating in public life and the changes we need to see for a truly representative society and Parliament.

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Presiding Officer @presidingofficer.parliament.scot · 03/03/2026

3. Edward Mountain MSP to ask the Scottish Government, further to Neil Gray's letter on the funding required for the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill, what NHS services would potentially be reduced to meet such costs. Watch from 2.05pm: www.scottishparliament.tv

A graphic that says "Topical Question - Edward Mountain MSP" beside a photo of Edward Mountain MSP.

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Presiding Officer @presidingofficer.parliament.scot · 03/03/2026

2. Mercedes Villalba MSP will ask the Scottish Government whether Scottish publicly owned infrastructure, such as Prestwick or Wick John O' Groats airports, has been used by the US Airforce for the recent strikes on Iran.

A graphic that says "Topical Question - Mercedes Villalba MSP" beside a photo of Mercedes Villalba MSP.

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Presiding Officer @presidingofficer.parliament.scot · 03/03/2026

I've selected 3 Topical Questions for this afternoon. 1. @jamiegreeneuk.bsky.social to what discussions @angusrobertson.bsky.social has had with the UK Government regarding assistance the Scottish Government could provide to support Scottish residents affected by the situation in Iran and the Gulf.

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Presiding Officer @presidingofficer.parliament.scot · 25/02/2026

I've selected an Urgent Question for this afternoon. Stephen Kerr MSP will ask the Scottish Government why the March 2025 memorandum relating to the Peter Murrell case was not referenced by the Lord Advocate last week when she answered Michael Marra MSP Urgent Question.

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Presiding Officer @presidingofficer.parliament.scot · 25/02/2026

A pleasure to welcome H.E. Sven Sakkov, Ambassador of the Republic of Estonia, to The Scottish Parliament for the first time and congratulations as they celebrate their 108th Independence Day.

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Presiding Officer @presidingofficer.parliament.scot · 24/02/2026

On behalf of The Scottish Parliament I was honoured to attend a service at Edinburgh City Chambers to mark the 4th anniversary of the War against Ukraine. We gathered to pay tribute to the people of Ukraine who have sacrificed so much. We continue to stand with you in your resistance.

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Presiding Officer @presidingofficer.parliament.scot · 24/02/2026

3. @jamiegreeneuk.bsky.social will ask the Scottish Government what its response is to reports that @auditscotland.bsky.social will investigate investment arrangements at ScotWind. Watch from 2.05pm: www.scottishparliament.tv

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Presiding Officer @presidingofficer.parliament.scot · 24/02/2026

2. @stephenkerr.bsky.social will ask the Scottish Government for its response to the reported disclosure that £96.2 million has been spent by NHS Scotland on damages, legal expenses and associated costs linked to maternity and obstetric care.

A graphic that says "Topical Question - Stephen Kerr MSP" beside a photo of Stephen Kerr MSP.

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Presiding Officer @presidingofficer.parliament.scot · 24/02/2026

I've selected 3 Topical Questions for this afternoon. 1. Evelyn Tweed will ask the Scottish Government what engagement it has had with @scottishepa.bsky.social and @scottishwater.bsky.social regarding the pollution incident in the River Dochart and the environmental risk to the River Tay system.

A graphic that says "Topical Question - Evelyn Tweed MSP" beside a photo of Evelyn Tweed MSP.

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Presiding Officer @presidingofficer.parliament.scot · 21/02/2026

I’m delighted that this event has returned to @parliament.scot this year, and that so many could join us online too.

The Presiding Officer speaks with attendees of the Disability Summit.

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Presiding Officer @presidingofficer.parliament.scot · 21/02/2026

Today's Disability Summit brought together people from all over the country, championing the rights of disabled people and discussing how the next Parliament can drive meaningful progress towards equality and opportunity.

Meryl Williams is pictured arriving at her seat in the Scottish Parliament's Debating Chamber for Scotland's Disability Summit 2026.

The Scottish Parliament's Debating Chamber with attendees listening to a speech during the Disability Summit.

Jeremy Balfour speaks in one of the breakout sessions held in a committee room as part of the Disability Summit at the Scottish Parliament.

Hailie Pentleton addresses the Disability Summit.

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Presiding Officer @presidingofficer.parliament.scot · 18/02/2026

I've selected an Urgent Question for this afternoon. @michaeljmarra.bsky.social will ask the Scottish Government whether the Lord Advocate will provide details of the reasons for her reportedly sharing confidential details of the charges against Peter Murrell with the First Minister.

A graphic that says "Urgent Question - Michael Marra MSP" beside a photo of Michael Marra MSP.

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Presiding Officer @presidingofficer.parliament.scot · 17/02/2026

3. Douglas Ross MSP to ask the Scottish Government whether any ministers, special advisers or civil servants, were involved in discussions concerning the postponement of the trial of Peter Murrell until after the @parliament.scot election in May. Watch from 2.05pm: www.scottishparliament.tv

A graphic that says "Topical Question - Douglas Ross MSP" beside a photo of Douglas Ross MSP.

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Presiding Officer @presidingofficer.parliament.scot · 17/02/2026

2. Alex Rowley MSP to ask the Scottish Government for its response to new figures on unmet need for palliative care that were published by @mariecurieuk.bsky.social on 16 February, showing that almost one in three people in Scotland die with unmet palliative care needs.

A graphic that says "Topical Question - Alex Rowley MSP" beside a photo of Alex Rowley MSP.

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Presiding Officer @presidingofficer.parliament.scot · 17/02/2026

I have selected 3 topical questions to be asked in @parliament.scot today. 1. Brian Whittle MSP to ask the Scottish Government for an update on its decision to escalate NHS Ayrshire and Arran to Stage 4 of the national improvement framework.

A graphic that says "Topical Question - Brian Whittle MSP" beside a photo of Brian Whittle MSP.

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Presiding Officer @presidingofficer.parliament.scot · 13/02/2026

Delighted to welcome Hon Todd Goudy MLA, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan, to The Scottish Parliament This is the first visit by a Saskatchewan Speaker to us in over 20 years and it was great to discuss the longstanding connections between Saskatchewan, Canada and Scotland.

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Presiding Officer @presidingofficer.parliament.scot · 10/02/2026

2. @stephenkerr.bsky.social to ask The Scottish Government for its response to the final report and recommendations of the Sentencing and Penal Policy Commission, in light of the reported high levels of public concern regarding the findings. Watch from 2.05pm: www.scottishparliament.tv

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