Animal Rights

I am an animal lover and a keen ornithologist with an appreciation for Scotland's rich natural heritage. I believe that animals should never be subjected to unnecessary suffering and that stronger measures must be taken to protect their welfare. I support ending the use of animal testing wherever viable alternatives exist, and I believe all animals deserve to be treated with compassion, dignity and respect.

Scotland is home to some of the most beautiful and diverse wildlife in the world, from our iconic birds of prey and seabird colonies to the many species that inhabit our forests and coastlines. Protecting our environment is essential not only for future generations of people but also for the wildlife that calls Scotland home. We must safeguard natural habitats, whilst transitioning to renewable energy to mitigate the impact that climate change is having on animals.

Our rivers, lochs and seas should be protected from sewage discharges and other forms of pollution that damage ecosystems, threaten biodiversity and put public health at risk. Clean waterways support healthy fish populations, waterbirds and countless other species, and we have a responsibility to preserve these precious resources.

I believe that by protecting animals, conserving nature and maintaining clean, healthy environments, we can create a Scotland that is not only greener and more sustainable but also more compassionate. We must do more to ensure that Scotland's wildlife and habitats are protected for generations to come.

Supporting Fur Free Britain

I am proud to support Fur Free Britain's campaign. No animal should suffer or be killed for its fur. While fur farming was rightly banned by the UK Government in 2000, we must now go further and ban the sale and import of fur products. The cruelty animals endure on fur farms is unacceptable and has no place in our society. We have a responsibility to protect animals from unnecessary suffering and ensure that compassion, not cruelty, guides our choices.

Beach Cleans

I regularly attend beach cleans across Portobello and Fisherrow. I know how important beach cleans are for residents to enjoy our gorgeous beaches in the constituency, but I also know how important beaches free of litter are for our wildlife. Collecting plastic and waste from our beaches mean they pose less of a risk to wildlife.

Unfortunately, when I attend these beach cleans I am appalled by the amount of waste from sewage I find washed up on our beaches. It is unacceptable and poses a real risk to wildlife. I have written to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and the Scottish Government about the importance of cleaning up of seas and water. to find out more about what I have been doing on sewage click here.

protecting wildlife in new brunstane field

Residents contacted me with concerns about development work at New Brunstane, a site that is home to wildlife and protected bird species. I raised these concerns directly with the developers. Thanks to a local petition and my action, we successfully stopped the use of herbicides on the site, recognising the potential harm they could cause to local wildlife, habitats and biodiversity I also continued discussions to ensure that appropriate ecological assessments were carried out before any further work took place, helping to minimise environmental impacts and protect the wildlife and habitats that make New Brunstane such an important local area.

Speaking out against animal Testing

New technologies bring so much opportunity, especially when it comes to animal testing. I know how important reducing animal testing is to me and my constituents, it was important to raise how developing technology provides us with opportunities to find alternatives to animal testing in this debate.

Wildlife spotting in little france park

I met up with Rob from Transition Edinburgh South to talk about plans for a community farm. While we were there, I had the chance to do a bit of wildlife spotting and was delighted to see a wide variety of bird species, as well as a deer. Moments like these make me feel incredibly lucky to live somewhere with so many beautiful green spaces. They provide essential habitats for wildlife and give us the opportunity to enjoy and appreciate nature right on our doorstep.

visit to jock tamsons garden

It was fantastic to visit Jock Tamsons Garden and hear about the impact they have on volunteers. Located right next to Holyrood Park, the garden is a truly lovely place to spend time and provides a great space to see some amazing wildlife.