 | 'The coalition Scottish government survived its sternest test yesterday when Liberal Democrat MSPs abandoned their election pledge and refused to vote to scrap tuition fees.' Alison Hardie in the Scotsman, 18 th June 1999. |  |
| 'The coalition Scottish government survived its sternest test yesterday when Liberal Democrat MSPs abandoned their election pledge and refused to vote to scrap tuition fees.' Alison Hardie in the Scotsman, 18 th June 1999. | |
Brian Adam SNP, N E Scotland
Low to invisible profile so far. One of the few reticent Nationalists, his religious beliefs - he is the Parliament's only Mormon - place him on the moral right on social issues.
Bill Aitken Cons, Glasgow
Former city baillie who seems to have found his voice of late. Said to be influential behind the scenes and willing to supply sound-bites.
Scott Barrie Lab, Dunfermline W
Fife social worker who got through the Labour list to a safe seat. Gave every appearance of being anonymous Labour apparatchik but recently made a name for himself by promising to promote anti-smacking legislation.
Robert Brown Lib Dem, Glasgow
One of the more thoughtful Lib Dems, served on the Parliament's corporate body. Not one for the sound-bites but knows his stuff on housing issues. Like some of his colleagues seems afraid to speak up lest he upsets the coalition.
Colin Campbell SNP, W of Scotland
Schoolmasterly and courteous backbencher who should allow himself a little more adventure in attacking the Executive. Seems rather too nice for politics.
Dennis Canavan Independent, Falkirk W
Constant thorn in the side of the Executive, given to poking fun at the First Minister and occasionally provokes laughter. Has formed unlikely alliance with the two other cross-benchers.
Malcolm Chisholm Lab, Edin N & Leith
First Westminster Minister to resign from Blair Government and now talkative back bencher who was denied a job in the Executive. Occasional dangerous tendency to speak his mind has probably set him apart from the norm among Labour MSPs.
Cathy Craigie Lab, Cumbernauld and Kilsyth
A former councillor in North Lanarkshire she is one of the New Labour women of whom little is heard in the chamber. Like her colleagues she seems to speak if and when required, provided she is non-controversial.
Bruce Crawford SNP, Mid-Scotland and Fife
Former council leader who was handed the job of chief whip but seems too diffident to be a bully. Influential link between group and the hierarchy.
Roseanna Cunningham SNP, Perth
Takes no prisoners as convener of Justice Committee, as witnessed by grilling of prison chiefs. Has emerged as a proven performer in the chamber and with the media, particularly television. One of the Nats' success stories.
Margaret Curran Lab, Glasgow Baillieston
Veteran of the Sarwar saga in Govan (first as rival and then as his agent) and now no-nonsense convener of Social Inclusion and Housing Committee. Riles some but has her admirers.
David Davidson Con, N E Scotland
Serious and courteous Tory, not given to knockabout in chamber. As deputy finance spokesman has intervened in tuition-fees debate.
Lord James Douglas-Hamilton Con, Lothians
Don't be fooled by the gentlemanly and diffident demeanour. Lord James never gives up when he tackles an issue such as legalised discrimination against Catholics ascending to the throne. Quietly effective as party's business manager.
Helen Eadie Lab, Dunfermline E
One who is still to make much of an impact in the chamber, but has plugged away in the constituency about inadequate Fife rail links.
Dorothy-Grace Elder SNP, Glasgow
Emerged as one of the characters of the Parliament, never afraid to speak up, sometimes for much too long, but no-one can accuse her of being a feartie. If you are a constituent in trouble she'll make a bonnie fechter. If you want peace, run.
Fergus Ewing SNP, Inverness East, Nairn and Lochaber
Dogged is the word for Fergus who has made his mark fighting issues such as fuel taxes, loss of Euro-funds for the Highlands and Islands, and recent oil-fabrication job losses.
Margaret Ewing SNP, Moray
Least prominent of the Ewings these days but still heard with respect by all sides. Seems to save her best for party conferences rather than the chamber.
Winnie Ewing SNP, Highlands and Islands
Still going strong and doing what she has always been good at - protesting, whether over points of order, perceived slights or Executive sharp practice. No-one has yet made a more quotable quote than "this Parliament is hereby reconvened".
Linda Fabiani SNP, Central Scotland
Idealistic human- rights activist whose visit to East Timor as UN observer during independence referendum violence first highlighted problems of paid advocacy for MSPs as she was forbidden to raise the issue in Parliament.
Alex Fergusson Con, South of Scotland
Farmer-turned-politician who, as deputy spokesman on rural affairs, has scored points over the crisis facing the whole agricultural industry.
Patricia Ferguson Lab, Glasgow Maryhill
Surprise choice as first deputy to Sir David Steel as Presiding Officer. Opponents initially saw her as Labour plant, but she has gained stature and grown into the job.
Phil Gallie Con, S of Scotland
Probably the noisiest of the Tory MSPs. Pugnacious frontbencher with talent for mangling the English language but to good political effect. In danger of becoming the Scottish Parliament's pre-eminent rent-a-quote MSP but at least he makes the effort.
Kenneth Gibson SNP, Glasgow
Aggressive ex-councillor from Glasgow and vociferous campaigner who has upped his profile. Reputation for being more of a presence outside the chamber. His time will come when electoral reform for local councils is debated.
Karen Gillon Lab, Clydesdale
Elected as Karen Turnbull, now married, one of the few Old Labour women to make it through the party selection process. Surprise Labour star of Lobbygate hearings where she showed tenacity and independence of thought. One to watch.
Trish Godman Lab, W Renfrewshire
Effective convener of the Local Government Committee. Contributions in the chamber have been worthy but unremarkable.
Annabel Goldie Con, W of Scotland
Glasgow lawyer, known as Bella to friends, emerging as one of the personalities of the Parliament. Unexpected talent for droll humour has made her popular in the chamber. Able No 2 to David McLetchie.
Donald Gorrie Lib Dem, Cen Scot
Famous free spirit who believes decisions of the Parliament should be taken by MSPs independently and not by political parties, a view which helped make him Backbencher of the Year. Don't be fooled by middle-aged, middle-class persona. Has a mulish stubbornness.
Christine Grahame SNP, S of Scotland
Elected as Christine Creech she is a back bencher who used her skills as a lawyer to hound the Executive in the Ruddle affair. Once reputed to be an ultra-fundamentalist she has buckled down well to the grind of Opposition.
Rhoda Grant Lab, Highlands and Islands
One of the few Labour list MSPs. Formerly campaigner for Scotland Forward and now somewhat lost in the Labour crowd in Holyrood.
Duncan Hamilton SNP, Highlands and Islands
Babyfaced rising star who famously riled Labour women with his ridicule of their debating style. Furious backlash taught him some humility. Another who is yet to command notice but regarded by the Nats as a future weapon.
Keith Harding Con, Mid-Scotland and Fife
More might have been expected of a former council leader in Stirling, but has made little impact in the chamber so far.
Robin Harper Scot Green, Lothians
Permanent smile since gaining a place in history as Britain's first Green Parliamentarian and has gone on to form a cheerful alliance with Messrs Sheridan and Canavan. Dogged but genial eco-warrior.
Hugh Henry Lab, Paisley South
Don't be fooled by the droll persona. Having escaped from the poison of Renfrewshire Labour politics to the rarified atmosphere of Holyrood, he has drawn on his Committee of the Regions experience to become effective as convener of the European Committee.
Janis Hughes Lab, Glasgow Rutherglen
Her 19 years in the NHS as nurse, administrator and union activist gave her skills that are showing up better in the Procedures Committee and Transport and Environment Committee than on the back benches.
Fiona Hyslop SNP, Lothians
Previous party high-flier who only just made it through selection procedures to Parliament, where she speaks well in the chamber and has done an effective job of harrying Wendy Alexander on housing and poverty issues.
Adam Ingram SNP, S of Scotland
Best known for his pincer-movement with party colleague Tricia Marwick during the Lobbygate saga hearings in the Standards Committee, where he played the cautious, tentative foil to her terrier act.
Gordon Jackson Lab, Glasgow Govan
Has found the transition from senior member of one profession, as a top QC, to a relatively junior member of another, politics, a hard one. Has made weighty contributions in committees. Nicknamed "Crackerjack" for his arrival just before 5pm for voting.
Sylvia Jackson Lab, Stirling
Typical of Labour's new breed of those coming into elected politics for the first time and making mark quietly behind the scenes or on committees. A former college lecturer, she serves on European and local government committees.
Cathy Jamieson Lab, Carrick, Cumnock & Doon Valley
One of the more confident Labour backbench speakers, as you would expect of a party executive member, but is one of party's under-used talents. Superb contribution to debate on pardons for Great War soldiers shot at dawn.
Margaret Jamieson Lab, Kilmarnock and Loudoun
Since capturing the seat for her native town, she has made scant impact in the chamber but will no doubt claim some of the credit locally for the decision to proceed with the M77 extension.
Ian Jenkins Lib Dem, Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale
Buggin's turn took him from being Sir David Steel's agent to constituency successor, but despite role as party spokesman on jobs and enterprise, has been strangely quiet during series of Borders jobs blows.
Nick Johnston Con, Mid-Scotland and Fife
Ex-Sandhurst Yorkshireman is another who has shown that being highly successfull in real life - he was managing director of a major motor group - does not automatically mean you will shine as a politician.
Alex Johnstone Con, N E Scotland
Has been one of the Tory success stories as he has harried the Executive on the rural affairs crisis, as both his party's spokesman on the subject and convener of the Parliamentary committee, a dual mandade which irritates Donald Dewar.
Andy Kerr Lab, East Kilbride
A tough but likeable party fixer, Kerr's role as spokesman for the back bencher is valued by the hierarchy, where he has many friends. Chamber contributions limited so far, but he is one to watch.
Johann Lamont Lab, Glasgow Pollok
A miraculous survivor of New Labour's selection procedure, as she was culled from party's executive in 1995 on the grounds of left/feminist views. Now here she is on the Equal Opportunities Committee and Local Government Committee, where she is working away effectively.
Marilyn Livingstone Lab, Kirkcaldy
Background puts her at the heart of the New Deal, which she spearheaded in senior college post and as councillor before being elected, and is now seeing through as member of Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Committee.
Richard Lochead SNP, N E Scotland
Former constituency aide to Alex Salmond who is beavering away on key North-east issues of fishing and oil industry, and has put in some polished performances in the chamber.
George Lyon Lib Dem, Argyll and Bute
Former farmers' leader, now ambitious Lib Dem group convener, not noted for hiding his light under a bushel. Seamless transition from hammering Labour to supporting the coalition made easier by his genuine fear and loathing of Nats.
John McAllion Lab, Dundee E
Another whose experience would have marked him out for Cabinet role but for his left-wing credentials. Co-sponsorship of Tommy Sheridan's Bill to abolish warrant sales shows he is still his own man and he is a strong believer in committees standing up to the Executive.
Kenny MacAskill SNP, Lothians
Has been a revelation since taking his seat in what he once despised as an inadequate Parliament. Transport and Environment brief has seen hard work behind the scenes and fiery performances in the chamber. Got off lightly over his recent Tartan Army "misunderstanding" with the police at Wembley.
Lewis MacDonald Lab, Aberdeen Cent
A quiet start by the Lewisman but has become one of his party's leading protagonists in the turf wars row between constituency members and regional list rivals.
Margo MacDonald SNP, Lothians
When the formidable Ms MacDonald concentrates her fire the effect is withering and she remains an able campaigner. However, she can't hide her continuing dim view of "sweetie-shop" Parliament.
Jamie McGrigor Con, Highlands and Islands
Old Etonian and former stockbroker whose experience as fish farmer and crofter help his deputy Rural Affairs beat in the party. As lead Tory Fisheries spokesman might have made more of a fuss when a chunk of the North Sea was annexed to England.
Irene McGugan SNP, N E Scotland
First-timer in terms of election to public office, has made a safe, cautious start to her Parliamentary career. Quietly effective on Rural Affairs Committee.
Kenneth MacIntosh Lab, Eastwood
Solid, dependable former BBC producer is useful contributor to committees, but is in danger of building a reputation for sycophantic planted questions to Ministers. One such, recently, provoked mock vomiting noises around the chamber.
Lyndsay McIntosh, Conservative, Central Scotland
Her views on law and order place her to the right of Attila the Hun, or even Phil Gallie, so she will doubtless give enthusiastic backing to New Labour's latest adoption of that old Tory chestnut, identity cards.
Kate MacLean, Labour, Dundee West
Formidable local government past in Dundee should have marked her out as a real talent, but instead she has succumbed, surprisingly, to relative anonymity.
Fiona McLeod, SNP, West of Scotland
Main contributions have come in debates on information technology. As a professional librarian she is worried that in the new "wired" Scotland a series of mutually incompatible computer networks are being developed.
Michael McMahon, Labour, Hamilton North and Bellshill
Former steelworker who did sociology degree once his industry died, has yet to leave his mark on the Parliament.
Maureen MacMillan, Labour, Highlands and Islands
Only real impact so far has come in contributions on domestic violence from this Highlands list MSP who founded Ross-shire Women's Aid refuge.
Duncan McNeil, Labour, Greenock and Inverclyde
Solid trade union background gives him credibility and clout in whip role and in liaison between Executive and back benchers. Well respected and liked.
Pauline McNeill, Labour, Glasgow Kelvin
Superb contribution during judicial appointments debate with powerful plea for more women judges. Also acts as a kind of unofficial shop steward for her party's back benchers sorting out their problems. Definitely one to watch.
Des McNulty, Labour, Clydebank and Milngavie
Worthy enough contributions in chamber but mishandled early role on Standards Committee when he made the mistake of attacking the Observer over Lobbygate allegations, instead of just getting on with investigating them.
Paul Martin, Labour, Glasgow Springburn
Son of Westminster MP for same constituency, has limited himself to local contributions. Former councillor who probably found his level there.
Tricia Marwick, SNP, Mid-Scotland and Fife
Former Shelter publicist has taken to parliamentary life like a natural and was given good early exposure through insistent Lobbygate questioning in Standards Committee and fine work in Justice Committee.
Michael Matheson, SNP, Central Scotland
Sharp, confident speaker in the chamber for a relative political novice. An occupational therapist by profession, his major area has been equal opportunities, particularly the rights of disabled people.
Brian Monteith, Conservative, Mid-Scotland and Fife
Tory ideologue with sense of fun, deserved his tilt at Parliament for having the guts to run the No campaign against its very existence. Good performer with sense of mischief, but seen by some as a dangerous plotter.
Alasdair Morgan, SNP, Galloway and Upper Nithsdale
Given his Westminster experience, we may have expected a bigger impact from him, but he has been a safe pair of hands who has kept up the pressure over the agricultural crisis.
Bristow Muldoon, Labour, Livingston
By far the most splendid moniker of any MSP, but not a lot else to say about this somewhat bland party technocrat, who was a former councillor and election agent to Robin Cook. Hasn't put a foot wrong is the best that can be said.
Mary Mulligan, Labour, Linlithgow
Former Edinburgh housing convener has been anonymous in chamber. As convener of Arts, Culture, and Sport she presided over the monstering of Minister Rhona Brankin, which won't have endeared her to the party hierarchy.
David Mundell, Conservative, South of Scotland
The Tory from Moscow (Ayrshire) is a former councillor. A lawyer and business high-flier with BT he should, perhaps, be making more of a mark in the Parliament than he has.
John Farquhar Munro, Lib Dem, Ross, Skye, and Inverness West
Likeable, soft-spoken Highlander, deceptively steely when it comes to anything offensive to his Liberal principles. Therefore paid-up member of party's awkward squad. Passionately committed to Gaelic culture.
Dr Elaine Murray, Labour, Dumfries
Nervous and excitable start in the chamber has given way to better showing, particularly with excellent speech on Armistice Day pleading for pardons for soldiers shot at dawn during the First World War
Alex Neil, SNP, Central Scotland
Relishes discomfort on New Labour benches as he makes unashamedly socialist contributions to debate. Holding a brief on reserved matter, social security, cannot be easy, but he has done formidable work researching the failings of the New Deal.
Irene Oldfather, Lab, Cunninghame South
Rather unwisely singled out by SNP "baby" MSP Duncan Hamilton as one of the women whose lack of speaking expertise lets down the Parliament, this former North Ayrshire councillor has emerged as a particularly well-informed and assiduous member of the European Committee.
Gil Paterson, SNP, Central Scotland
Gritty party stalwart who hasn't set the heather on fire in the chamber but an early champion of committee rights, he helped give an ear-bashing to Minister Frank McAveety over his alleged lack of openness and co-operation with local government committee.
Cathy Peattie, Labour, Falkirk East
A member of the Education, Culture, and Sport Committee as well as Rural Affairs. On the issue of a National Theatre for Scotland has said she would not favour a large amount of arts money being focused in one place. Relatively low profile so far.
Lloyd Quinan, SNP, West of Scotland
MSP with a colourful background as TV weather forecaster, he has spoken out on a variety of subjects concerning social justice. No set-piece orator so far, he has shown talent for harrying ministers and backed attempts to get law on cannabis for medical use reviewed.
Nora Radcliffe, Lib Dem, Gordon
The party's spokeswoman on Equal Opportunities, she also serves on the Transport and Environment Committee. Has spoken of the need for more women to get involved in politics and called for gay couples to have the same legal rights as heterosexual ones.
Keith Raffan, Lib Dem, Mid Scotland and Fife
A shrinking violet he is not. Waspish, sharp, and something of a maverick, this former Tory MP seems in his element in the chamber or in committee. Enjoys getting the goat of political opponents who retaliate by writing him off as a gadfly.
George Reid, SNP, Mid Scot & Fife
A Westminster MP in the 1970s, he was a member of the influential steering group which drew up the blueprint for the working of the Parliament. Still chatty over a drink with journalists, he nevertheless seems to have moved seamlessly into the grander, non-political role of Deputy Presiding Officer.
Shona Robison, SNP, NE Scotland
Having represented the party's trade union group on the NEC, she has spoken out competently on social issues, for example harrying Justice Minister Jim Wallace over need for an independent police complaints procedure.
Euan Robson, Lib Dem, Roxburgh and Berwickshire
The party's unshowy spokesman for Justice and Home Affairs has made a solid contribution on matters within his own brief and has argued strongly for measures to help the Borders economy, including the reopening of the Waverley line rail link.
Mike Rumbles, Lib Dem,West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine
A Liberal desperately anxious to give all opinions an airing, the chairmanship of the Standards Committee has proved an expectedly hot potato for this ex-Army officer. Seen as a nice guy, he was accused of not being decisive enough at the start of the Lobbygate investigation.
Mike Russell, SNP, South of Scotland
The Nationalists' flamboyant cigar-smoking former chief executive has taken on an influential backroom role as the parliamentary group's business manager. As outspoken and provocative as ever, he has recently been campaigning to change the Act of Settlement to allow a Catholic monarch.
Mary Scanlon, Conservative, Highlands and Islands
A down-to-earth right winger she seems to have taken easily to parliamentary life. Takes her role on the Health and Community Care Committee very seriously and was one of those who voiced displeasure about the performance and alleged "dismissiveness" of Health Minister Susan Deacon during a recent session.
Tavish Scott, Lib Dem, Shetland
Speaks on Europe, the environment, and transport in the chamber where he seems urbanely at home. Highlighted crisis in salmon farming. Struggles a bit, like all Libs, with having to support the Lib/Lab Coalition while trying to remain distinctive.
Tommy Sheridan, SSP, Glasgow
The People's Tribune's clenched fist salute at the swearing-in ceremony has gone into legend. The former firebrand from Glasgow City Council still smoulders effectively but it's tough being a one-man party if you want to make a solid impact. His bill to abolish poindings and warrant sales will help.
Richard Simpson, Labour, Ochil
Bearded psychiatrist and GP who has quickly made his mark, trusted by his party hierarchy as minder on Standards Committees. Contributes from back benches on health matters. Revealed in register of interests that he was paid consultant for GM-food company but his work in primary care had no connection with the controversial product.
Elaine Smith, Labour, Coatbridge and Chryston
The MSP who won her seat on her birthday hasn't made a huge impact yet but showed a sure touch for voters' concerns with her campaign for the public to be given more chance to air their concerns about the erection of new mobile phone masts.
Margaret Smith, Liberal Democrat, Edinburgh West
Bouncy ex-Edinburgh councillor who has secured an influential role as convener of the Parliament's Health and Community Care committee. She is seen as talkative and ambitious but may have to acquire more gravitas.
Jamie Stone, Lib Dem, Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross
The party's spokesman on education was one of the Lib Dems who supported Margo MacDonald's initiative to get the law on the medical use of cannabis changed. Can be witty and a bit of a maverick.
Nicola Sturgeon, SNP, Glasgow
One of the best-known faces on the SNP front bench, as education spokeswoman she has harried the Minister Sam Galbraith all the way over the teachers' pay deal and has lambasted PFI school projects. Feisty but still a bit dour.
John Swinney, SNP, Tayside
The SNP's deputy leader and Shadow Enterprise Minister comes across as earnest and eager in the chamber but is still not a forceful orator. How-ever, recent blows to the Scottish economy, particularly over textile jobs, have given him ready ammunition against the Executive.
Elaine Thomson, Labour, Aberdeen North
One of two women MSPs on the Parliament's very influential Finance Committee, she took part in the successful campaign to make Aberdeen the site of the Scottish arm of the Food Standards Agency. Yet to emerge from the crowd on the Mound
Murray Tosh, Conservative, South of Scotland
Chairman of Procedures Committee, he has established a profile as enthusiastic champion of the motorist leading the Tory charge in Parliament against road tolling and congestion charging. Favourite phrase is "will you give way" when transport is being debated.
Kay Ullrich, SNP, West of Scotland
The SNP's formidable health spokeswoman is not the most forensic of debaters but has taken on the Executive repeatedly over cost of PFI hospital projects and waiting lists. Good at demanding emergency meetings and urgent action.
Ben Wallace, Conservative, NE Scotland
Darling of the radio waves and becoming a well-known Tory name. Young and ambitious but not often heard in the chamber and Standards Committee threw out his complaint that Labour's Mike Watson had broken rules on paid advocacy over his anti-hunting Bill.
Mike Watson, Lab, Glasgow Cathcart
Has had a roller-coaster ride since agreeing to sponsor anti-hunting Bill and his private life hit the headlines. Not short on determination, he is pressing ahead with the Bill after being cleared of breaking rules on paid advocacy by Standards Committee and winning court action by pro-hunting lobby.
Ian Welsh, Labour, Ayr
Won his seat by 25 votes after two recounts and the register of members' interests shows him as being on unpaid leave of absence as chief executive of Kilmarnock Football Club. Clearly finding the transition to "humble" back bencher a bit hard.
Sandra White, SNP, Glasgow
A member of the Public Petitions Committee, she recently introduced a monthly phone-in for the elderly and infirm at her constituency surgery in Glasgow. Has yet to make a significant impact in the chamber.
Karen Whitefield, Labour, Airdrie & Shotts
Accused (initially rightly) of being a rotten public speaker by SNP's Duncan Hamilton, she fought back accusing him of a "blatant sexist attack on women" and won applause for managing to make her contribution to debate on the millennium bug end with seconds to spare before the silent tribute on Armistice Day.
Allan Wilson, Lab, Cunninghame North
Assiduous member of Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Committee who is very New Labour and played a part in the Blairite modernisation project in Scotland.
Andrew Wilson, SNP, Central Scotland
Whizz-kid finance spokesman who can sometimes sound a tad patronising when trying to explain economic intricacies. He got mired in, but survived extra parliamentary controversy when he said the Union Jack was seen by some as a symbol of colonial oppression.
John Young, Conservative, West of Scotland
The veteran Glasgow Tory councillor has made some pawky interventions in the Parliament and, showing his long experience of public speaking, doesn't read from notes. However, he doesn't appear to be savouring the transition from council chamber to the Mound.
- Dec 15 th 1999
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