We asked MSPs: what is your top advice to newbies?

With an eye to dissolution of the sixth session of this parliament, Holyrood asked some of our sitting politicians the simple question: What advice would you offer to incoming MSPs?

Graham Simpson, Reform Scotland MSP for Central Scotland

My first conversation with a newbie: “Hi, have you just started? Well done and welcome. Where do you represent and what party?”

“That’s great, I’m with Reform. Everyone’s new in Reform apart from me.

“Make the most of the next five years. Try to have some fun even though it is a serious business.

“Don’t look at other MSPs as enemies. None of us are. We’re all here to help the people of Scotland, we just have different ideas on how to do that. So, make friends in other parties. I have done that over the years, and it will stand you in good stead.

“Whatever committee you are on try to work collaboratively. Committees do their best work like that.

“Use these next few weeks to socialise but don’t overdo it. Don’t rush into employing people as you could make mistakes. I’m here to help if you want.”

Sarah Boyack, Labour MSP for Lothian

My advice to new members is seize the opportunities that you are offered. Becoming a party spokesperson can give you a great platform you can use to discuss the issues you care about, same too for a committee. However, you should always reflect on why you got elected in the first place and the constituents who put you there, as well as the life experience you can bring.

Make sure you have a plan for what you want to achieve and build good relationships with stakeholders in parliament and in your community to help you achieve it. Don’t sign up to too many cross-party groups and prioritise your friends and family.

Richard Lochhead, SNP MSP for Moray

Congratulations, you are one of only 129 candidates to be elected to Scotland’s Parliament. Over the years thousands have applied for your job and not made it.

Every day from now on when you wake up in the morning you can remind yourself that you are enormously privileged and can make a real difference. Never forget the people who put you where you are, your constituents and area you represent.

Always take advice and consider many different perspectives.

Identify a few issues you care about deeply to champion.

And when you perform in your role, do so with respect for others and with grace. Focus on winning hearts and minds, not an Oscar.

Stay healthy and fit. Keep some control of your diary and choose your staff carefully – you’ll rely on them to survive! Relish every moment. I can tell you that the first 27 years will be gone in the blink of an eye!

Jamie Greene, Lib Dem MSP for West Scotland

Take a deep breath, relax. Be proud of your achievement. Take your time in setting up your office and staff. Don’t rush into anything.

Get to know MSPs in all parties. Make friends, go for drinks, cross party lines, be constructive, approachable, respectful, robust when necessary, but switch if off when you leave the chamber.

Plan your member’s bill, don’t join every cross-party group. Work your portfolio like you are the minister. Never forget who put you in there. Stay true to your own values.

Don’t be tribal; tell your whip to piss off every now and then; think for yourself; don’t read pre-scripted staffer speeches; don’t try to be clever; and never get drunk and tell journalists what you really think about your colleagues!

Don’t read horrible comments on social media. Take time out for yourself and family. Look after your own physical and mental health.

Finally, enjoy! It is a privilege and experience I will never forget. And importantly, make sure you get to the Holyrood Garden Party and Political Awards. Many happy memories are made there.

Fergus Ewing, Independent MSP for Inverness and Nairn

In 1994, when a mere whippersnapper of 36, I asked the very same question in seeking the advice from the late distinguished Labour MP and rebel Tam Dalyell. He replied instantly: “Before you begin any campaign… get your facts right!”   

Second, I would advise that you read and reflect on the sentiments in the truly great poem written about our reconvened parliament, Open the doors by Edwin Morgan. He pithily describes what the people don’t want from their elected representatives, namely, "a nest of fearties... a symposium of procrastinators... a phalanx of forelock tuggers... and perhaps above all the droopy mantra of ‘it wizny me’."

Michael Matheson, SNP MSP for Falkirk West

Always bear in mind that being elected to the Scottish Parliament is a privilege and while it can be exceptionally challenging, enjoy your time as an MSP.

Remember, when some constituents are seeking your help, you are their last hope. They are the reason you are where you are – and improving lives, and raising aspirations, are always the goals you should be aiming for.

Politics and making decisions are a serious business, but you shouldn’t take yourself too seriously – keep a healthy sense of humour and always be mindful that it’s likely you aren’t the smartest person in the room.

And the mac ‘n’ cheese on a Thursday is great!

Douglas Ross, Scottish Conservative MSP for Highlands and Islands

My answer is for new MSPs to consider introducing topical questions to the next session of parliament.

As newly elected members you will just be finding your feet, but you don’t need to accept the idea that things always need to be done in the same way as they have been. At the moment, portfolio questions need to be lodged a week before they are answered so we often miss the chance to challenge the government on more topical issues.

It’s a small and simple change that would make a big difference in holding the government to account and showing parliament to be more agile and responsive to emerging issues. And if you manage to make this change, then as a newly elected MSP, you will have already made a big difference to how things get done.