Outgoing Stirling MSP Bruce Crawford, who is retiring after more than 20 years at Holyrood, thanked his constituents, supporters and staff in his final contribution to a debate last week.
Mr Crawford was first elected to the devolved Scottish Parliament in 1999 as a list MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife and went on to represent the Stirling constituency in 2007.
Before entering the Scottish Parliament he had been Perth and Kinross Council leader from 1995-99 where he had been a councillor since 1988.
Between 2011-12 he was Cabinet Secretary for Parliamentary Business and Government Strategy.
The 66-year-old expressed gratitude to constituents, supporters and parliament staff and officials during the Holyrood budget debate on Tuesday, March 9.
He said this week: “It’s been the privilege and honour of my lifetime to serve my community as a representative within Scotland’s Parliament.
“I was there the day the Parliament reconvened, all those years ago, and I’ve seen first-hand the positive and visible difference Scottish Governments can make for the people of Scotland.
“The restoration of Scotland’s Parliament marked a turning point in Scotland’s civic and political life. It gave Scotland’s people a voice, an institution on their side to fight for fairness and justice. Above all, it’s given Scotland restored hope and self-confidence.
“We’re a nation with troubles like any other - but we’re every bit as deserving of dignity, democracy and self-determination as anyone else.
“I wish my successor and the future Scottish Government well in their efforts to live up to those ideals, and build a fairer, more prosperous Scotland for us all.
“Thank you to my wonderful supporters, staff members, parliamentary colleagues and above all - the constituents of Stirling, for their kindness and dedication to their families, loved ones and communities over my time in office.”
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After 33 years serving as an elected public representative, Mr Crawford is retiring to spend more time with his wife Jacqueline and family, and in particular his grandchildren.
After Mr Crawford made the announcement in February 2020 that he would not be standing in the 2021 Holyrood election, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “It’s hard to imagine the Scottish Parliament without Bruce Crawford – his counsel and friendship have been invaluable to me over many years. He has been an outstanding minister, committee chair and constituency champion. He’ll be much missed.”
