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Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs)

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Alasdair Allan

Scottish National Party

MSP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar (Constituency) 2011 - present day

Former MSP for Western Isles (Constituency) 2007 - 2011

About Alasdair Allan

Contact details

Contact online

X (previously known as Twitter): @alasdairallan

Contact at the Scottish Parliament

The Scottish Parliament
Edinburgh
EH99 1SP

Phone: 01851 700357
Text relay calls welcome.

Contact at local office

20 Kenneth Street
Stornoway
HS1 2DR

Phone: 01851 700357
Text relay calls welcome.

Find out when the MSP's surgery times are on their website.

Committees

Alasdair is not a member of any committees

Cross-party groups

Alasdair is not a member of any cross-party groups

Parliamentary and Government Roles

Alasdair has 1 parliamentary and government role

Acting Minister for Climate Action

Scottish Government

Party Roles

Alasdair does not have any party roles

Previous roles

Alasdair has had 18 previous roles

Previous roles in cross-party groups are not included in this list.

29 June 2023 - 17 June 2024

Standards Procedures and Public Appointments Committee

Substitute Member

01 February 2023 - 17 June 2024

Rural Affairs and Islands Committee

Member

17 June 2021 - 29 June 2023

Constitution Europe External Affairs and Culture Committee

Member

17 June 2021 - 01 February 2023

Rural Affairs Islands and Natural Environment Committee

Member

08 September 2021 - 31 March 2022

Finance and Public Administration Committee

Substitute Member

06 February 2019 - 04 May 2021

Committee on the Scottish Government Handling of Harassment Complaints

Member

06 October 2020 - 04 May 2021

Finance and Constitution Committee

Member

06 September 2018 - 06 October 2020

Education and Skills Committee

Member

25 February 2020 - 01 September 2020

Justice Committee

Member

06 September 2018 - 25 February 2020

Social Security Committee

Member

18 May 2016 - 28 June 2018

Minister for International Development and Europe

Scottish Government

06 December 2011 - 18 May 2016

Minister for Learning, Science and Scotland's Languages

Scottish Government

25 May 2011 - 06 December 2011

Minister for Learning and Skills

Scottish Government

27 March 2008 - 22 March 2011

Parliamentary Liaison Officer to the Office of the First Minister

Scottish Government

20 May 2010 - 22 March 2011

Education Lifelong Learning and Culture Committee

Member

14 June 2007 - 22 March 2011

Transport Infrastructure and Climate Change Committee

Substitute Member

02 September 2008 - 20 May 2010

Local Government and Communities Committee

Deputy Convener

13 June 2007 - 02 September 2008

Local Government and Communities Committee

Member

Register of interests

Alasdair's register of interests

MSPs must provide details of their financial interests in the Register of Interests. They make an initial statement on becoming or being returned as an MSP. This is then updated with any changes they provide.

Here is the register for Alasdair Allan. The date of their initial statement was 22 May 2021.

Remuneration and related undertaking

No registrable interests

Gifts

In 2017 and 2020 I ran competitions in schools in the Western Isles to design my official Christmas card. Ask Care Hire (a care hire company of, Isle of Benbecula) made donations of £200 in 2017 and £250 in 2020 to cover some of the costs of these cards. I did not profit personally from these donations but as the 2020 donation took me over the threshold for gifts I wished to add these to my Register for reasons of transparency.

Overseas visits

No registrable interests

Controlled transactions

No registrable interests

Heritable property

No registrable interests

Interest in shares

No registrable interests

Voluntary

I own a single £25 non-profit share in Northton Heritage Trust Community Benefit Society in the Isle of Harris. I gain no remuneration from this share, and it represents less than 1% of the company's value. [Registered 28 October 2023]

I am a member of the Scottish Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, from which I derive no remuneration.

I have a £25 share in Buth Tholastadh (the shop, Tolsta, Isle of Lewis). This is a community owned shop from which I derive no remuneration.

I am a member of the Robert Burns World Federation, from which I derive no remuneration.

In September 2021, ThunderPoint Publishing are due to publish my book “Tweed Rins tae the Ocean”. Any royalties due to me are being divided equally between two charities. These are the Western Isles Cancer Care Initiative and the Maimi Martin Fund (which provides education for girls in Malawi). Any monies will be paid directly by the publishers to the charities.

In 2021, I ran a competition in local schools to design my official Christmas card. The costs of printing, etc, were offset by three donations: S.R. Smile, (Castleview Dental Practice), Stornoway £100, Ken MacDonald & Co Solicitors, Stornoway £100 and Bob Golland Heating Services, Isle of Lewis £40. [Registered 5 December 2021]

In June 2022, I appeared at the Borders Book Festival. My fee of £175 was paid direct to Western Isles Cancer Care Initiative. [Registered 27 June 2022]

I have a single £25 share in Seallam Ltd, a community company seeking to develop a genealogical visitor centre in Harris. I make no profit from this share, and it represents less than 1% of the company’s value. [Registered 10 November 2022]

In 2013 I ran a competition in local schools for a design for my Christmas card. The costs of printing were offset by sponsorship from: Alex Murray Construction Ltd, Isle of Lewis (£50); SBA architects, Stornoway (£25); Rodel Hotel, Isle of Harris (£50); Macleod Garages Stornoway (£40); Hebrides Art Ltd, Isle of Harris (£50); and Alex Martin Builders Ltd, Vatisker, Isle of Lewis (£100).

In December 2023, I ran a competition in local schools to design my official Christmas card. I received the following sponsorship to help offset the costs of printing, etc: £100 from Ken MacDonald and co, Stornoway, £100 from Essence of Harris Ltd, and £20 from Greenall Odell Studio. [Registered 30 November 2023]

In 2016 I ran a Christmas card competition in local schools, and offset the cost of printing, etc, through donations from the following local companies: £250 from the Crown Hotel, Stornoway, £100 from Harris Tweed Hebrides, Shawbost, Isle of Lewis, £50 from Alex Martin Builders, Vatisker, Isle of Lewis, £30 from Scarista House Hotel, Isle of Harris, and £30 from WJ MacDonald Butchers, Stornoway.

On Friday 20 July 2018 I visited the Shiant Isles to see the work undertaken by a seabird recovery project. This visit was organised and facilitated by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds Scotland. The total cost was £60 and this was paid for by the ‘Shiant Isles Restoration Project’. The project is an EU LIFE funding project, delivered by Scottish Natural Heritage and RSPB Scotland.

I am member of Royal British Legion Scotland. I derive no financial benefits from this membership.

I am an associate member of Storas Uibhist (South Uist Community Trust) from which I derive no remuneration.

Since 2016 I have been an honorary patron of the Helping Hand Trust, Scotland (a trust which is seeking to promote the Norwegian community and their culture in Scotland and to develop friendly ties between the two countries, through activities in and around the former Norwegian Seaman’s Church in Leith). I derive no financial gain from this connection.

I am a member of Dualchas Bharraigh (Barra Heritage Society) (Castlebay, Isle of Barra, HS9 5XD). I receive no remuneration for this membership.

On 5 July 2019 I joined Comunn Eachdraidh Sgìre a’ Bhac (Back History Association). I derive no financial benefit from this.

In 2020, I ran a competition in local schools to design my official Christmas card and received the following sponsorship to partially offset costs for printing, etc. The donations received were as follows: The Scottish Salmon Company, Isle of Lewis, £100.00; Ken MacDonald Lawyers and Estate Agents, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, £50.00; Hebridean Tea Store, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, £50; The Island Spirit Whisky Shop, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, £40. For one further sponsor of this competition, see the “gifts” section of the register.

In 2017 I ran a competition in schools in the Western Isles to design my official Christmas card. The following donations were made by local firms to cover some of the costs of these cards; Harris Tweed Hebrides, Shawbost, Isle of Lewis, £100; Lighting Electrical, Stornoway, £100; Isle of Barra Beach Hotel, Isle of Barra, £50; and Bob Golland Plumbing, Isle of Lewis, £20. For one further sponsor of this competition, see the “gifts” section of the register.

I am a member of the Harris Development Trust from which I derive no remuneration.

On 3 July 2010 I visited Grimersta Lodge (Uig, Isle of Lewis), in my constituency. The visit included a day’s fishing. The costs of the fishing (£300) were met by Grimersta Lodge.

I am a member of Comunn Eachdraidh Eiriosgaidh (Eriskay Historical Society) (c/o the community hall, Eriskay). I receive no remuneration for this membership.

In 2019 I ran a competition among schools in my constituency to design my official Christmas card. I received the following amounts of sponsorship: Horshader Community Development Trust - £250; Hebridean Energy - £100; Bob Golland Plumbing and Heating - £40; Ken MacDonald & Co - £100; and The Blue Pig Studio, Carloway - £50

In December 2022, I ran a competition in local schools to design my official Christmas card. I received the following contributions to help offset the cost of printing: £50 from the Borve Lodge Estate, Isle of Harris and £50 from the Church Street Chip Shop, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis. [Registered 31 January 2023]

I am a member of the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society. I derive no financial benefit from this.

From 3 to 7 July 2009 I visited St. Kilda in my constituency. The National Trust for Scotland (Charlotte Square, Edinburgh) met the costs of my visit which comprised a return helicopter flight from Benbecula to St. Kilda and bunkhouse accommodation on St. Kilda. I estimate the value of the flights and accommodation to be £200.

I am a member of the Saltire Society, from which I derive no remuneration.

In 2018 I organised a Christmas card competition in local schools. A number of local firms contributed towards offsetting my costs of doing this, though this year, I gave 50% of the below donations to the Iolaire centenary commemoration fund. The donations received were as follows: Creagorry Motors, Isle of Benbecula £200; Luskentyre Harris Tweed Company, Isle of Harris £50; Ken MacDonald and Co, Estate Agents, Isle of Lewis, £50; AJ Martin Builders, Isle of Lewis £50; Mr Alan Brown, £100; Harris Tweed Hebrides, Isle of Lewis, £100.

I own a single £25 share in April 2022 in the Seallam! Hebrides People Visitors’ Centre, a community - owned company in the Isle of Harris. [Registered 10 April 2020]

On 11 October 2008 and 16 May 2009 I received dinner, bed and breakfast at Amhuinnsuidhe Castle, Isle of Harris. The castle was not open to the public at the time but I estimate the value of this to be £250 on each occasion.

I am a member of Uist Wool, from which I receive no financial or other benefit.

I am a member of Amnesty International from which I derive no remuneration.

On 13 January 2014 I was presented with a copy of the book "From the Land Comes the Cloth" by Harris Tweed Hebrides Ltd, Shawbost, Isle of Lewis. The value of the book is £125.

I am a member of the Norwegian Scottish Association in Edinburgh. I gain no financial benefit from this membership.

In 2015 I ran a competition in local schools for a design for my Christmas card. The costs of printing were offset by sponsorship from: AJ Martin Builders Ltd, Vatisker, Isle of Lewis (£60); Alex Murray Construction Ltd, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis (£50); and Rodel Hotel, Isle of Harris (£50).

I am a member of Parliamentarians for Nuclear Non- proliferation and Disarmament, from which I derive no remuneration.

In 2014 I ran a Christmas card competition in local schools at my own expense. I offset the costs with the following donations from local businesses: Hebrides Art Ltd, Isle of Harris (£50); Alex Murray Construction Ltd, Isle of Lewis (£50); Rodel Hotel, Isle of Harris (£50); Alex Martin Builders, Vatisker, Isle of Lewis (£50); and Ardhasaig filling station, Isle of Harris (£20).

I am a member of Coisir Sgir’ a Bhac (Back Gaelic Choir). I have been involved with this choir since 2006 and subsequently become a paid up member. I receive no remuneration from this membership.

I am a member of the Western Isles Credit Union, where I have had a token amount of £5 invested since 2009. I do this to indicate my support for the Credit Union movement and receive no material financial benefit.

In 2012 I ran a competition in local schools for a design for my Christmas card. The costs of printing were offset by sponsorship from: Rodel Hotel, Rodel, Isle of Harris (£50); Luskentyre Harris Tweed Ltd, Luskentyre, Isle of Harris (£25); AMK Plant and Tipper Hire Ltd, 4 New Park, Callanish, Isle of Lewis (£25); Alex Murray Construction Ltd, Island Road, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis (£50); Alex Martin Builders, 55 Vatisker, Isle of Lewis (£50); and Isle of Barra Beach Hotel, Tangasdale, Isle of Barra (£50).

In October 2012 I received a gift of a large framed photograph of the isle of Harris for the wall of my office in Holyrood from the Morvern Gallery ltd, Barvas, Isle of Lewis. The estimated value of this gift is £400.

Recent Activity

What was said

What Alasdair Allan has said in Parliament

These are the official transcripts of what was said by this MSP in the chamber and at committee meetings. You'll find the topic discussed and how many times this MSP has contributed to the discussion.

Chamber meeting date: 17 December 2024

Scottish Elections (Representation and Reform) Bill: Stage 3

The Acting Minister for Climate Action (Alasdair Allan): "Will the member concede that his theory has not been put to the test recently, as I have not recently stood on the list?"

Chamber meeting date: 12 December 2024

Net Zero (Workforce)

The Acting Minister for Climate Action (Alasdair Allan): "I regularly engage with my education and skills ministerial colleagues to discuss the importance of the net zero workforce. Scotland is already leading the way in the creation of green jobs…

Chamber meeting date: 12 December 2024

Onshore Wind Farm Planning Consents (Highlands and Islands)

The Acting Minister for Climate Action (Alasdair Allan): "Since 1 January 2021, a total of nine planning appeals for onshore wind farm developments in the Highlands and Islands region have been allowed."

Chamber meeting date: 12 December 2024

Onshore Wind Farm Public Inquiries

The Acting Minister for Climate Action (Alasdair Allan): "Improving planning skills and capacity is a key commitment and priority for the Scottish Government. Together with the Improvement Service, we offer planning authorities training on appeals processes including public local inquiries…

Chamber meeting date: 12 December 2024

New Oil and Gas Licences

The Acting Minister for Climate Action (Alasdair Allan): "As the member will be aware, decisions on offshore oil and gas licensing and consenting are reserved to the United Kingdom Government…

Votes

How Alasdair Allan has voted in Parliament

Find out how Alasdair Allan has voted recently.

Motion ref. S6M-15876

Education (Scotland) Bill

Submitted by: Jenny Gilruth, Mid Fife and Glenrothes, Scottish National Party. Date lodged: Monday, December 16, 2024

Supported by: Graeme Dey, Natalie Don-Innes
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Wednesday, December 18, 2024

Result 96 for, 0 against, 21 abstained, 12 did not vote

MSP voted for

Vote Passed

Motion ref. S6M-15875

Scottish Elections (Representation and Reform) Bill

Submitted by: Jamie Hepburn, Cumbernauld and Kilsyth, Scottish National Party. Date lodged: Monday, December 16, 2024

Supported by: John Swinney
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Tuesday, December 17, 2024

Result 111 for, 0 against, 0 abstained, 18 did not vote

MSP voted for

Vote Passed

Motion ref. S6M-15792.3

Delivering a Common Sense Budget for Scotland

Submitted by: Shona Robison, Dundee City East, Scottish National Party. Date lodged: Tuesday, December 10, 2024

Supported by: Ivan McKee
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Wednesday, December 11, 2024

Result 73 for, 28 against, 21 abstained, 7 did not vote

MSP voted for

Vote Passed

Motion ref. S6M-15792

Delivering a Common Sense Budget for Scotland

Submitted by: Craig Hoy, South Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party. Date lodged: Monday, December 9, 2024

Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Wednesday, December 11, 2024

Result 94 for, 28 against, 0 abstained, 7 did not vote

MSP voted for

Vote Passed

Motion ref. S6M-15809

Approval of SSI

Submitted by: Jamie Hepburn, Cumbernauld and Kilsyth, Scottish National Party. Date lodged: Tuesday, December 10, 2024

Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Wednesday, December 11, 2024

Result 73 for, 49 against, 0 abstained, 7 did not vote

MSP voted for

Vote Passed

Motions

Questions

Questions Alasdair Allan has asked

These are the questions that this MSP has asked in Parliament. It also includes any answer to those questions.

Question ref. S6O-03598

Asked by: Allan, Dr Alasdair, Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 12 June 2024

Question ref. S6O-03549

Asked by: Allan, Dr Alasdair, Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 5 June 2024

"To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to the recently published data from Scotland’s Census on the number of people with Gaelic language skills."

Taken in the Chamber on 12 June 2024

Question ref. S6O-03472

Asked by: Allan, Dr Alasdair, Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 15 May 2024

"To ask the Scottish Government what representations it can make to Loganair to ensure that constituents in Na h-Eileanan an Iar are not disadvantaged as a result of recent changes to flight timetables."

Taken in the Chamber on 23 May 2024

Question ref. S6O-03401

Asked by: Allan, Dr Alasdair, Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 1 May 2024

"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on how the NHS supports the health of rural and islands communities through regular visits from consultants."

Taken in the Chamber on 8 May 2024

Question ref. S6W-27125

Asked by: Allan, Dr Alasdair, Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 29 April 2024

"To ask the Scottish Government what progress is being made on implementing the Border Target Operating Model."

Answered by Mairi Gougeon on 30 April 2024

Question ref. S6O-03341

Asked by: Allan, Dr Alasdair, Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 17 April 2024

"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on its approach alongside Bòrd na Gàidhlig to secure the long-term future of the Gaelic Officers Scheme."

Taken in the Chamber on 25 April 2024

Question ref. S6W-26484

Asked by: Allan, Dr Alasdair, Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 26 March 2024

"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on what estimated works will be necessary at Lochmaddy pier, in light of the expected arrival of newer CalMac vessels."

Answered by Fiona Hyslop on 15 April 2024

Question ref. S6W-25896

Asked by: Allan, Dr Alasdair, Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 28 February 2024

"To ask the Scottish Government when the next paper in the Building a New Scotland series will be published."

Answered by Jamie Hepburn on 29 February 2024

Question ref. S6O-03172

Asked by: Allan, Dr Alasdair, Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 28 February 2024

"To ask the Scottish Government what factors are assessed when determining vessel deployment decisions for Western Isles ferry routes."

Taken in the Chamber on 7 March 2024

Question ref. S6W-25594

Asked by: Allan, Dr Alasdair, Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 19 February 2024

"To ask the Scottish Government what representations it can make on behalf of any small businesses in the Western Isles that are reportedly facing increases of thousands of pounds per week in delivery expenses as a result of a local haulage company being taken over by the multinational company, DFDS."

Answered by Jim Fairlie on 28 February 2024

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