Oliver Mundell
Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party · Scotland
“Indeed, much of the debate in this chamber seems a far cry from the genuine excitement that I witnessed as a child when I first watched Donald Dewar address the Parliament in 1999. Most institutions grow in stature as they age, but Holyrood seems to be stuck in reverse.”
Scottish Parliament25 March 2026Source ↗
“Before I start with some final thoughts, I want to make it clear, up front, that my comments are not personally aimed at the cabinet secretary, who I respect and with whom I enjoy working, as everybody across the chamber does. I have never felt the need to compare her to a chlorinated chicken, unlike her predecessor.”
Scottish Parliament25 March 2026Source ↗
“I share the frustrations of my constituents that Holyrood is dominated by urban, central-belt thinking and is obsessed with telling people who live in rural Scotland how to live. When the Scottish Government is not busy banning things, it is busy imposing them.”
Scottish Parliament25 March 2026Source ↗
“It often feels as if money talks, with hillsides being sold to the highest bidder without any thought about the social consequences or about how future generations will put food on the table. Meanwhile, here in our national Parliament, tokenism too often prevails over substance.”
Scottish Parliament25 March 2026Source ↗
“Rural Scotland, not least Dumfriesshire, holds real potential. The answers to many of our most pressing challenges can be found in our rural and remote communities, but they must be given the freedom to flourish. Our communities need politicians who will listen to those on the ground, who really do know best.”
Scottish Parliament25 March 2026Source ↗
“The amendment would make it more difficult for ministers to put in place appropriate regulations with the right protections, so I urge Dr Gulhane not to press the amendment.”
Scottish Parliament17 March 2026Source ↗