Adam Harley makes maiden speech in parliament

Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP for Strathkelvin and Bearsden Adam Harley has used his maiden speech in the Scottish Parliament to highlight the importance of providing young people with opportunities, protecting important community facilities and restoring trust in politics.

Adam originally worked in theatre and the arts before moving over to the charity sector, fighting for the rights of people with cystic fibrosis to access life-saving medicines.

He has also volunteered for organisations educating children from disadvantaged backgrounds and has worked with community groups supporting young people in danger of becoming involved in the criminal justice system, helping them turn their lives around.

Speaking in the Scottish Parliament, Adam Harley MSP said:

“As this is my first speech, I’d like to pay tribute to my predecessor, Rona Mackay who served the people of Strathkelvin and Bearsden for a decade, and to thank her for her efforts in the community over that time.

“This is the first time the Lib Dems have won this seat at the Scottish Parliament, but I want to recognise the excellent local work done over the years by Jo Swinson and my current colleague at Westminster Susan Murray.

“From Bearsden in the west, through Bishopbriggs, Lennoxtown, Campsie and Torrance - to Lenzie, Kirkintilloch and Twechar in the East.

“Each part of Strathkelvin and Bearsden is brimming with history, natural beauty and, most importantly, the very best people.

“Over the last year, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting thousands of them.

“As I said to many on the doorsteps: I can’t promise to fix everything, or to be perfect, but I do promise to work hard, to be centred on service, and to bring your voice loudly and clearly to this parliament.

“Being elected MSP for the area I grew up in and where I’m raising my family is an honour and a responsibility I do not take lightly.

“I will use this incredible opportunity I’ve been given to push for positive change. And opportunity is what it’s all about.

“Providing young people with the right opportunities at the right time is a big part of why I got involved in politics.

“Often sport provides a gateway for those opportunities.

“As we’ve heard, it has an important part to play in mental and physical health. Providing challenge and community.

“It’s important that the summer of sport we have ahead helps to provide those opportunities at the grassroots level, so that all people from all backgrounds can access them.

“To allow that to happen we need to make sure local authorities are properly funded. Chronic underfunding of local councils has forced them to make cuts for years. Often leisure and sporting facilities are the first to be impacted.

“Right now, key facilities are under threat of closure. Like the only diving pool in the west of Scotland.

“13-year-old Heather Graham from Bearsden in my constituency has won a gold medal for diving. She’d have to give up the sport entirely if her diving school in Ayr closes. I hope to hear a positive response from the Minister on that in her closing remarks.

“And as we look ahead to the World Cup, let’s follow the lead of our own national team. It was their grit, audacity and teamwork that got them to the World Cup in the first place.

“I think could use some of that here too.

“Presiding Officer, I plan to be really robust in holding the government to account, in holding power to account.

“But in doing that I will always be focused squarely on what truly matters to the people I represent.

“And they want us to work together to find solutions. They really just aren’t interested in party politics or the political bubble. So many of them are struggling and have lost faith in politics. They’ve lost faith in this place to improve their lives.

“They’re tired of a political culture that rewards division with attention and punishes collaboration. I’m tired of it too.

“We don’t have time for all that anymore. We have to focus on fixing things and on getting things done.

“I know members across this chamber want to make things better for their constituents.

“And I think we should all work together to make that happen.

“I want to end with a wee story.

“My late grandfather was raised on a farm in the remote west coast of Ireland.

“He used to walk to school every day in bare feet.

“He came to Scotland as a young man and worked hard to build a future for his family.

“It’s the same story for many of our grandparents.

“He bought me this suit when I was just 13 years old.

“It was far too big at the time, but he said one day I would grow into it.

“I think he would have gotten a real kick out seeing me wearing it in the chamber here today.

“So, I dedicate this first speech to him and to my wee 3-year-old boy. I hope I have in some way started to grow into this jacket.

“Now it’s time to crack on with providing a better future for those who will come after us.

“Because I suppose at the end of the day, that’s what all of this is really all about.

“Thank you.”