Dave Thompson MSP

I recently announced I will be standing down at the next Scottish election in 2016, which will have given me 9 years at the helm of Scottish politics and at a wonderfully exciting time for Scotland.

It has been a great privilege to serve as an MSP, firstly as a Regional MSP for the Highlands and Islands and then as a Constituency MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch. I joined the SNP in 1965, 50 years ago, and have gone through many ups, but mostly downs, until 8 years ago when I challenged the Highland Returning Officer in 2007 and forced a recount which led to me becoming the 47th SNP MSP, giving us a majority of one over Labour. This led to the first ever (minority) SNP government and to where we are today.

I am also particularly pleased that I broke new ground in 2011 by winning this constituency, a former Lib Dem stronghold, for the first time with a majority of 4,995, paving the way for the recent spectacular Westminster victory for Ian Blackford, over an almost insurmountable Charles Kennedy.

This has been a difficult decision but I believe that it is the right time for me to now hand over the baton to a younger candidate. The party has never been in a better position and I firmly believe that I will see independence in my lifetime. I will, of course, continue to be involved with the SNP and plan to spend more time helping to develop Christians for Independence, of which I am currently Convener. I will be 66 at the time of the Scottish election and still have many things I want to do if the Lord spares me. Indeed, I am quite excited about embarking on a new phase of my life when I step down from the Scottish Parliament and I am sure my skills and experience will be put to good use.

I congratulate Ross, Skye and Lochaber’s newest MP, Ian Blackford, on his Westminster Election success.

The seat was won with 20,119 votes, over 5,000 clear of 32 year incumbent Charles Kennedy, who managed a credible 14,995 returns, which goes to show that despite the Lib Dem collapse at UK Level, Charles remains a popular figure amongst large swathes of the constituents. I extend my gratitude to him for his time served and wish him well.

Ian becomes one of 56 newly elected SNP MPs on what was the SNP’s best UK Election result in its history and I am confident that he, along with the other MPs will make Scotland’s voice heard in Westminster like never before.

The folk of the Highlands have unequivocally placed their trust in the SNP and as someone who has been involved in the party for nearly 50 years; this fills me with enormous pride.

However, I also recognise that with such an overwhelming endorsement from the people, we are now in a position of great responsibility, which we must take seriously.

I am convinced the SNP will show that they will stand up for all of the Highlands, regardless of political persuasion and I look forward to working with Ian on areas where we share mutual interest and for the betterment of the Highlands.

I recently met with Annie Norman and other members of Patients First Scotland (PFS), along with Shona Robison, the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Sport in the Parliament.

Annie and I first met at a surgery of mine in Caol in 2012, after she had experienced bullying in the workplace and she was in need of some assistance. As part of helping Annie with her case, it led to her being instrumental in bringing PF to Scotland, an initiative that was already active and successful in England.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the desire of Patients First Scotland for the Scottish Government to adopt the Freedom to Speak Up Review, an investigation into the treatment of NHS Whistleblowers.

At present health professionals who raise concerns over patient safety are in danger of being bullied and their issue being turned into an employment problem.  This can result in severe mental health problems, loss of career, financial security, marriage break up and ultimately unemployment.

The Minister made it clear that the final agreement has yet to be reached on which aspects of the Freedom to Speak Up Review would be applied to Scotland but was broadly supportive of the campaigns intention.

I appreciate Patient First’s concerns on creating a culture in the NHS where reporting is not met with recrimination and the need to create a working environment that makes it easier to raise concerns without meeting a punitive response and as such, I look forward to finding out which parts of the Review will be applied to Scotland.