MSP set to become convener of powerful Holyrood committee

 

The committee is expected to have a high profile role in examining the implications for Scotland of Brexit, or indeed a narrow vote to remain in the EU.  It is also expected to take a close interest in the new BBC charter as well as the running of Visit Scotland and Creative Scotland.

 

Ms McAlpine said:

 

“I’m absolutely delighted to be nominated for this role.  Much of the business of the Scottish Parliament is conducted through its committees, including scrutiny of the budget and all legislation. 

 

“It’s a very exciting time to be appointed to the parliament’s Europe committee.  And from a constituency point of view, the culture and tourism remit is very important to the south of Scotland.

 

“As someone who worked in the media all my life, including arts journalism, I’ve taken a keen interest in culture since being elected in 2011 including setting up the cross-party group on culture.  Locally I’ve supported the Big Burns Supper, the Theatre Royal, the Stove Network and other cultural initiatives which help promote the economy and attract visitors to the region.  I shall certainly be using some of these local experiences in my approach to the committee work.”

 

“I’m looking forward to serving alongside my colleagues Richard Lochhead MSP, the former Environment Secretary, and Bruce Crawford MSP, the SNP’s former Business Manager as well as colleagues from the Conservative, Labour and Green parties.”

 

Note to editors

 

The convenership of Scottish Parliament committees is agreed by all the parties’ business managers.  Agreement has been reached that the SNP will hold the conveners’ role in the Europe, External Relations, Culture and Tourism Committee and Ms McAlpine is the party’s sole nominee for the role.