Scottish Parliament
In September 2004, five years after the first Scottish elections, the Scottish Parliament moved to its new permanent home, Holyrood, at the foot of Edinburgh's Royal Mile.
The Scottish Parliament and MSPs are responsible for a wide range of devolved issues including health, justice, education, local government, the environment, culture and even sport.
As your MSP, you can contact me for assistance on any issue which is dealt with by the Scottish Parliament. For an introduction on the work of the Parliament you can read this useful guide.
Sarah in Parliament
In the Scottish Parliament I currently serve in the Shadow Cabinet as Shadow Secretary for Rural Affairs, Environment and Climate Change but I also speak out on a wide range of issues of concern to local people in Edinburgh Central such as affordable housing, public transport and antisocial behaviour.
You can read my contributions to Parliament through speeches, questions and motions by clicking on the links opposite.
The UK Parliament, which sits at Westminster, is responsible for reserved issues such as defence, foreign policy, social security and pensions. Scotland continues to be represented in London by our MPs who are elected separately from MSPs. If you have a query about a reserved matter you can find details for contacting your local MP by visiting theyworkforyou.com
Edinburgh City Council provides a range of front-line services such as schools, housing, environmental health, libraries, social care, roads and street lighting. The Council is also responsible for administering the Council Tax.
If you require help with one of these issues you should contact your councillor in the first instance.
Visiting the Parliament
The Scottish Parliament building is open to members of the public and there are a variety of activities available to visitors including guided tours, tickets to debates, a variety of exhibitions, a café and a shop.
If you are involved in a group who would like to arrange a visit, or are planning a visit yourself, please contact me and I will help you organise things or arrange to meet and show you around.
To find our more about the visiting the Parliament click here.
Page last updated: 5th May 2010.