Speeding up

As Christmas approaches the Parliamentary pressures always intensify - I suppose people are trying to clear off unfinished business . That is particularly true in the run up to an election when a great deal of legislation is also in its final stages.

So today I had to get up at 5.00 to drive through for a Health committee meeting starting at 9.30 . I am a substitute member but had to attend because a regular member was away and the business included Stage 2 of the Carers Bill.

Then I had a series of back to back meetings until 5.00 pm when I went into the Chamber to vote and then speak in my own Member's Business Debate about the need for a full public holiday on St Andrews Day.

After that I had a Board meeting of the Scottish Futures Forum and then , after a quick drink , worked on my final suggestions for the Stage 1 Report on the Land Reform Bill which the Rural Affairs Committee will sign off on the morning.

Tomorrow looks just as busy.