Dave Thompson MSP

SNP MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, Dave Thompson, welcomed John Jappy to the Scottish Parliament to represent the constituency in the traditional riding that takes place at the start of each new Parliamentary Session. After the Scottish elections in May, nominations were invited for Local Heroes from each constituency in Scotland to represent their community at the Official Opening.

John was chosen by Mr Thompson for his dedication to the local community and his hard work.  Following John's retirement back to the Highlands after a distinguished career in the Treasury, he became involved in setting up the local job creation programme which became the largest in Scotland.  After this he instructed adults with learning difficulties, and freely helped folk in their fight with officialdom, with many complex cases, and with virtually complete success.  Additionally he has campaigned with Bruce Kent for world peace and nuclear disarmament and helped set up the Campaign for Justice not War. The official opening of the new Parliamentary Session was carried out by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh before MSPs, their guests and the public came together in an open afternoon with displays in the Parliament and live music from various performers.

Speaking at the Open Day, Mr Thompson said, "It is a real privilege to meet so many different people from so many walks of life who have contributed and continue to contribute to their communities.

"John Jappy is one of these people, someone who has earned the respect of their community through dedication and sheer hard work.

"It is that community spirit that the Scottish Parliament must seek to support and protect and which the Members of the Scottish Parliament must seek to emulate.

"The strength of that bond with the people of Scotland was reflected in the speeches made by the Parliament's Presiding Officer, the Queen and the First Minister, who all recognised the expectation of Scotland on its Parliament as it has grown and matured since the onset of devolution and the challenges that currently face us as a nation.

"This fourth term of the Scottish Parliament offers many challenges from developing critical infrastructure, to supporting economic recovery and the creation of new jobs.  Some particularly challenging issues are getting Scotland's carbon footprint down to meet the tough, but achievable targets we have set ourselves, reducing our waste and ensuring that we get the maximum possible benefit from the next energy revolution in renewables.

"These are just a few of the issues that MSPs will grapple with on behalf of the people of Scotland and it is vital that we continue to support and strengthen that link between Parliament and the People."