An Exciting Day

It was an exciting day in the Scottish Parliament, especially for P 6/7 of Sacred Heart Primary in Penicuik who by accident were touring Holyrood just before we elected Scotland's fifth First Minister.

The class paid a call on me in my office around lunchtime and then in the afternoon the MSPs gathered to listen to the candidates ( Nicola and Ruth Davidson the Tory Leader) make their pitches. Nicola was the clear winner in every way and then each of the parties offered their congratulations though once again Jackie Baillie, acting in the absence of a Labour leader, entirely missed the mood making another ill judged , grudging, wholly partisan contribution that found little favour.

At the conclusion Nicola was mobbed by members from all sides who wanted to congratulate her so I had the opportunity to get behind the phalanx of photographers assembled just by the large doors, under the old portal. The SNP women MSPs had great joy in accompanying Scotland's first woman First Minister out of the chamber and I was lucky enough to grab a quick shot of it.

Nicola's closing speech this afternoon was one of the finest I have heard in the chamber - inspiring, determined and practical just as she is. It was also great to see in the gallery her family ( her Mum Joan was my Constituency Assistant in the first Parliament) and my old and dear friend Kay Ulrich the former SNP Chief Whip who first brought Nicola into the SNP.

A remarkable , exciting day indeed. One that I and P6/7 ( and the rest of the country) will never forget.