Five memorable years serving region

It has almost been five years since I was elected to serve as an MSP for the West Scotland region.

- BY WEST SCOTLAND LABOUR MSP PAUL O'KANE

Despite the vast amount of major political events, key legislative moments and personal experiences that have passed in that time, it doesn't feel that long ago.

These last five years have been about serving the people of this amazing region and ensuring that constituents, from Johnstone to Barrhead, get the help and support they need.

Recognising that constituents' day-to day lives are busier than ever before, I held surgeries in a wide range of formats including inside supermarkets and libraries, online and street surgeries.

Street surgeries proved to be a particularly effective way to chat to people, understand their priorities, and see how I could offer them support.

In the time that I've been an MSP, our country has been through some major political and cultural moments.

As I took the MSP oath in May 2021, Scotland was very much still grappling with the covid pandemic.