Finlay Carson
Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
MSP for Galloway and West Dumfries (Constituency) 2016 - present day
About Finlay Carson
Contact details
Contact online
Email: [email protected]
Website: finlaycarson.co.uk
X (previously known as Twitter): @fincarson
Facebook: Finlay's facebook
Contact at the Scottish Parliament
The Scottish Parliament
Edinburgh
EH99 1SP
Phone: 0131 348 5890
Text relay calls welcome.
Contact at local office
107 King Street
Castle Douglas
DG7 1LZ
Phone: 01556 504991
Text relay calls welcome.
Find out when the MSP's surgery times are on their website.
Committees
Cross-party groups
Finlay is a member of 14 cross-party groups
Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Autism
Member
Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Brain Tumours
Deputy Convener
Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Cancer
Member
Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Circular Economy
Member
Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Civil Nuclear Industry
Member
Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Dyslexia
Member
Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Ice Sports
Member
Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Islands
Member
Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Nature and Climate
Co-Convener
Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Rugby Development in Scotland
Member
Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Rural Policy
Member
Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Science and Technology
Member
Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Shared Parenting
Deputy Convener
Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Wood Panel Industry
Member
Parliamentary and Government Roles
Finlay has 1 parliamentary and government role
Conveners Group
Member
Party Roles
Finlay does not have any party roles
Previous roles
Finlay has had 16 previous roles
Previous roles in cross-party groups are not included in this list.
22 June 2021 - 01 February 2023
Rural Affairs Islands and Natural Environment Committee
Convener
17 June 2021 - 22 June 2021
Rural Affairs Islands and Natural Environment Committee
Member
11 August 2020 - 04 May 2021
Deputy Party Spokesperson on Natural Environment
Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
11 August 2020 - 04 May 2021
Deputy Party Spokesperson on Rural Affairs
Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
17 September 2019 - 04 May 2021
Environment Climate Change and Land Reform Committee
Deputy Convener
18 February 2020 - 11 August 2020
Deputy Party Spokesperson on Land Reform
Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
18 February 2020 - 11 August 2020
Deputy Party Spokesperson on the Environment
Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
18 February 2020 - 11 August 2020
Deputy Party Spokesperson on Climate Change
Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
29 June 2017 - 25 February 2020
Public Audit and Postlegislative Scrutiny Committee
Substitute Member
18 September 2019 - 25 February 2020
Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee
Substitute Member
28 June 2017 - 18 February 2020
Deputy Party Spokesperson on Biodiversity
Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
28 June 2017 - 18 February 2020
Deputy Party Spokesperson on Animal Welfare
Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
28 June 2017 - 18 February 2020
Deputy Party Spokesperson on Digital Economy
Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
08 June 2016 - 17 September 2019
Environment Climate Change and Land Reform Committee
Member
26 May 2016 - 28 June 2017
Deputy Party Spokesperson on Fisheries
Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
26 May 2016 - 28 June 2017
Deputy Party Spokesperson on Rural Development
Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Register of interests
Finlay'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 Finlay Carson. The date of their initial statement was 09 June 2021.
Remuneration and related undertaking
Until 30 April 2023, when I resigned, I was a Director of Conchieton Solutions, an IT consultancy firm (of Conchieton Business Centre, Conchieton, Kirkcudbright, DG6 4TA). I received dividends of £2,000 on 1 June 2020 and £2,000 in June 2021. I estimated that, over the session, I would spend 5 hours per annum on this role. [Amended interest 28 June 2023]
Until 30 April 2023, when I resigned, I was a partner in J and F Carson, a farming and property letting partnership (of Conchieton Business Centre, Conchieton, Kirkcudbright, DG6 4TA). I received £13,000 in drawings from the partnership in 2020. In 2021 I was remunerated by way of profit share and I estimated I would spend up to 14 hours per annum on this role. [Amended interest 28 June 2023]
Gifts
No registrable interests
Overseas visits
No registrable interests
Controlled transactions
No registrable interests
Heritable property
No registrable interests
Interest in shares
No registrable interests
Voluntary
On 23 February 2018 I and my daughter attended the Scotland v France rugby match at Murrayfield as guests of BT Openreach. In addition to tickets for the match the hospitality included food and drink. I understand that the cost of this hospitality was approximately £1000. I do not consider that this meets the prejudice test but wish it to be registered in the voluntary section of my register.
From 14 to 16 August 2018 I travelled to Norway on a study visit to explore Deposit Return Schemes. The costs of the visit were approximately £689, £220 for hotel, £319 for flights and around £150 for meals, which were met by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation (a registered charity that funds the charitable work of organisations that are building an inclusive, creative and sustainable society of Kings Place, 90 York Way, London N1 9AG). I believe that the interest does not meet the prejudice test.
On 9 March 2019 I attended the Scotland v Wales rugby match at Murrayfield as guests of BT Scotland. In addition to the ticket for the match, the hospitality included food and drink. I understand that the cost of this hospitality was approximately £500. I believe that the interest does not meet the prejudice test.
Recent Activity
What was said
What Finlay Carson 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.
Rural Affairs and Islands Committee meeting date: 26 June 2024
Decision on Taking Business in Private
The Convener (Finlay Carson): "Good morning, and welcome to the 19th meeting of the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee in 2024. Before we begin, I ask everyone to ensure that electronic devices are switched to silent…
Rural Affairs and Islands Committee meeting date: 26 June 2024
Salmon Farming in Scotland
The Convener: "Under our next item of business, we will hear from two witness panels as part of our follow-up inquiry into salmon farming in Scotland…
Rural Affairs and Islands Committee meeting date: 26 June 2024
Windsor Framework (Retail Movement Scheme: Plant and Animal Health) Regulations 2024
The Convener: "Our third item of business is consideration of a UK statutory instrument consent notification. Do members wish to make any comment on the instrument…
Chamber meeting date: 19 June 2024
Women’s State Pension Age (Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman Report)
Finlay Carson (Galloway and West Dumfries) (Con): "I think that it is fair to assume that we all, in one way or another, support the WASPI campaign, and I believe that it is only right that the Parliament has come together on the issue. The WASPI women deserve justice, and few can deny that fact…
Rural Affairs and Islands Committee meeting date: 19 June 2024
Decision on Taking Business in Private
The Convener: "Our next item of business is consideration of whether to take in private agenda item 5, under which we will consider our approach to pre-budget scrutiny. Do members agree to take that agenda item in private? Members indicated agreement."
Votes
How Finlay Carson has voted in Parliament
Find out how Finlay Carson has voted recently.
Scottish Government Priorities: Tackling the Climate Emergency
Submitted by: Douglas Lumsden, North East Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party. Date lodged: Tuesday, June 25, 2024
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Wednesday, June 26, 2024
Result 50 for, 68 against, 0 abstained, 11 did not vote
MSP voted for
Vote Defeated
Circular Economy (Scotland) Bill
Submitted by: Gillian Martin, Aberdeenshire East, Scottish National Party. Date lodged: Monday, June 24, 2024
Supported by: Màiri McAllan
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Wednesday, June 26, 2024
Result 116 for, 0 against, 0 abstained, 13 did not vote
MSP not voted
Vote Passed
Scottish Government Priorities: Tackling the Climate Emergency
Submitted by: Patrick Harvie, Glasgow, Scottish Green Party. Date lodged: Tuesday, June 25, 2024
Supported by: Mark Ruskell
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Wednesday, June 26, 2024
Result 8 for, 108 against, 0 abstained, 13 did not vote
MSP not voted
Vote Defeated
Scottish Government Priorities: Tackling the Climate Emergency
Submitted by: Sarah Boyack, Lothian, Scottish Labour. Date lodged: Tuesday, June 25, 2024
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Wednesday, June 26, 2024
Result 58 for, 59 against, 0 abstained, 12 did not vote
MSP not voted
Vote Defeated
Approval of SSI
Submitted by: Jamie Hepburn, Cumbernauld and Kilsyth, Scottish National Party. Date lodged: Tuesday, June 25, 2024
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Wednesday, June 26, 2024
Result 68 for, 0 against, 46 abstained, 15 did not vote
MSP not voted
Vote Passed
Motions
Motions made by Finlay Carson in Parliament
Find out what motions Finlay Carson has submitted recently.
Questions
Questions Finlay Carson has asked
These are the questions that this MSP has asked in Parliament. It also includes any answer to those questions.
Asked by: Carson, Finlay, Galloway and West Dumfries, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 27 June 2024
"To ask the Scottish Government what consideration it is giving to the provision of support for dog owners who are fleeing domestic abuse and seeking accommodation, including (a) any lack of provision by local authorities to house people in temporary accommodation with a dog and (b) the length of time that is spent in temporary accommodation that…
Answer expected on 25 July 2024
Asked by: Carson, Finlay, Galloway and West Dumfries, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 27 June 2024
"To ask the Scottish Government what consideration it is giving to the provision of support for homeless dog owners who are seeking accommodation, including (a) any lack of provision by local authorities to house people in temporary accommodation with a dog and (b) the length of time that is spent in temporary accommodation that does not allow pets,…
Answer expected on 25 July 2024
Asked by: Carson, Finlay, Galloway and West Dumfries, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 18 June 2024
"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to review the affordability threshold for connections delivered through the R100 Scottish Broadband Voucher Scheme, which currently stands at £56 per month."
Answer expected on 16 July 2024
Asked by: Carson, Finlay, Galloway and West Dumfries, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 12 June 2024
Asked by: Carson, Finlay, Galloway and West Dumfries, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 3 June 2024
"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will consider strengthening provisions within the Housing (Scotland) Bill to support prospective tenants in addition to those with existing tenancies."
Answered by Paul McLennan on 11 June 2024
Asked by: Carson, Finlay, Galloway and West Dumfries, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 29 May 2024
"To ask the Scottish Government how many approved providers are available to provide superfast service via the R100 Scottish Broadband Voucher Scheme in the Mid Galloway and Wigtown West council ward in Dumfries and Galloway."
Answered by Tom Arthur on 7 June 2024
Asked by: Carson, Finlay, Galloway and West Dumfries, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 29 May 2024
"To ask the Scottish Government how many applications for the R100 Scottish Broadband Voucher Scheme have been (a) successful and (b) unsuccessful across Dumfries and Galloway."
Answered by Tom Arthur on 7 June 2024
Asked by: Carson, Finlay, Galloway and West Dumfries, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 28 May 2024
"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the roll-out of the R100 programme in Dumfries and Galloway."
Answered by Tom Arthur on 7 June 2024
Asked by: Carson, Finlay, Galloway and West Dumfries, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 28 May 2024
"To ask the Scottish Government how many properties are still to be connected in Dumfries and Galloway under the R100 programme."
Answered by Tom Arthur on 7 June 2024
Asked by: Carson, Finlay, Galloway and West Dumfries, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 13 May 2024
"To ask the Scottish Government, following the Parliament's agreement of the Scottish Budget in each of the last five years, on what date NHS boards (a) were advised of their individual budget allocations and (b) received their settlement for the next year."
Answered by Neil Gray on 28 May 2024
See all of Finlay Carson's questions submitted in Parliament