Alasdair Allan
Scottish National Party
MSP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar (Constituency) 2011 - present day
Former MSP for Western Isles (Constituency) 2007 - 2011
About Alasdair Allan
Contact details
Contact at the Scottish Parliament
The Scottish Parliament
Edinburgh
EH99 1SP
Phone: 01851 700357
Text relay calls welcome.
Contact at local office
20 Kenneth Street
Stornoway
HS1 2DR
Phone: 01851 700357
Text relay calls welcome.
Find out when the MSP's surgery times are on their website.
Committees
Alasdair is a member of 2 committees
Cross-party groups
Alasdair is a member of 8 cross-party groups
Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Nordic Countries
Deputy Convener
Parliamentary and Government Roles
Alasdair does not have any parliamentary or government roles
Party Roles
Alasdair does not have any party roles
Previous roles
Alasdair has had 10 previous roles
Previous roles in cross-party groups are not included in this list.
08 September 2021 - 31 March 2022
Finance and Public Administration Committee
Substitute Member
06 February 2019 - 04 May 2021
Committee on the Scottish Government Handling of Harassment Complaints
Member
06 October 2020 - 04 May 2021
Finance and Constitution Committee
Member
06 September 2018 - 06 October 2020
Education and Skills Committee
Member
25 February 2020 - 01 September 2020
Justice Committee
Member
06 September 2018 - 25 February 2020
Social Security Committee
Member
14 June 2007 - 22 March 2011
Transport Infrastructure and Climate Change Committee
Substitute Member
20 May 2010 - 22 March 2011
Education Lifelong Learning and Culture Committee
Member
02 September 2008 - 20 May 2010
Local Government and Communities Committee
Deputy Convener
13 June 2007 - 02 September 2008
Local Government and Communities Committee
Member
Register of interests
Alasdair's register of interests
MSPs must provide details of their financial interests in the Register of Interests. They make an initial statement on becoming or being returned as an MSP. This is then updated with any changes they provide.
Here is the register for Alasdair Allan. The date of their initial statement was 22 May 2021.
Remuneration and related undertaking
No registrable interests
Gifts
In 2017 and 2020 I ran competitions in schools in the Western Isles to design my official Christmas card. Ask Care Hire (a care hire company of, Isle of Benbecula) made donations of £200 in 2017 and £250 in 2020 to cover some of the costs of these cards. I did not profit personally from these donations but as the 2020 donation took me over the threshold for gifts I wished to add these to my Register for reasons of transparency.
Overseas visits
No registrable interests
Controlled transactions
No registrable interests
Heritable property
No registrable interests
Interest in shares
No registrable interests
Voluntary
In 2021, I ran a competition in local schools to design my official Christmas card. The costs of printing, etc, were offset by three donations: S.R. Smile, (Castleview Dental Practice), Stornoway £100, Ken MacDonald & Co Solicitors, Stornoway £100 and Bob Golland Heating Services, Isle of Lewis £40. [Registered 5 December 2021]
I am a member of the Harris Development Trust from which I derive no remuneration.
I am an associate member of Storas Uibhist (South Uist Community Trust) from which I derive no remuneration.
I am a member of Amnesty International from which I derive no remuneration.
In 2015 I ran a competition in local schools for a design for my Christmas card. The costs of printing were offset by sponsorship from: AJ Martin Builders Ltd, Vatisker, Isle of Lewis (£60); Alex Murray Construction Ltd, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis (£50); and Rodel Hotel, Isle of Harris (£50).
In 2016 I ran a Christmas card competition in local schools, and offset the cost of printing, etc, through donations from the following local companies: £250 from the Crown Hotel, Stornoway, £100 from Harris Tweed Hebrides, Shawbost, Isle of Lewis, £50 from Alex Martin Builders, Vatisker, Isle of Lewis, £30 from Scarista House Hotel, Isle of Harris, and £30 from WJ MacDonald Butchers, Stornoway.
In September 2021, ThunderPoint Publishing are due to publish my book “Tweed Rins tae the Ocean”. Any royalties due to me are being divided equally between two charities. These are the Western Isles Cancer Care Initiative and the Maimi Martin Fund (which provides education for girls in Malawi). Any monies will be paid directly by the publishers to the charities.
I am member of Royal British Legion Scotland. I derive no financial benefits from this membership.
From 3 to 7 July 2009 I visited St. Kilda in my constituency. The National Trust for Scotland (Charlotte Square, Edinburgh) met the costs of my visit which comprised a return helicopter flight from Benbecula to St. Kilda and bunkhouse accommodation on St. Kilda. I estimate the value of the flights and accommodation to be £200.
In 2014 I ran a Christmas card competition in local schools at my own expense. I offset the costs with the following donations from local businesses: Hebrides Art Ltd, Isle of Harris (£50); Alex Murray Construction Ltd, Isle of Lewis (£50); Rodel Hotel, Isle of Harris (£50); Alex Martin Builders, Vatisker, Isle of Lewis (£50); and Ardhasaig filling station, Isle of Harris (£20).
I am a member of Comunn Eachdraidh Eiriosgaidh (Eriskay Historical Society) (c/o the community hall, Eriskay). I receive no remuneration for this membership.
I am a member of the Western Isles Credit Union, where I have had a token amount of £5 invested since 2009. I do this to indicate my support for the Credit Union movement and receive no material financial benefit.
On 3 July 2010 I visited Grimersta Lodge (Uig, Isle of Lewis), in my constituency. The visit included a day’s fishing. The costs of the fishing (£300) were met by Grimersta Lodge.
I am a member of Coisir Sgir’ a Bhac (Back Gaelic Choir). I have been involved with this choir since 2006 and subsequently become a paid up member. I receive no remuneration from this membership.
In 2013 I ran a competition in local schools for a design for my Christmas card. The costs of printing were offset by sponsorship from: Alex Murray Construction Ltd, Isle of Lewis (£50); SBA architects, Stornoway (£25); Rodel Hotel, Isle of Harris (£50); Macleod Garages Stornoway (£40); Hebrides Art Ltd, Isle of Harris (£50); and Alex Martin Builders Ltd, Vatisker, Isle of Lewis (£100).
I am a member of the Norwegian Scottish Association in Edinburgh. I gain no financial benefit from this membership.
I am a member of the Robert Burns World Federation, from which I derive no remuneration.
I own a single £25 share in April 2022 in the Seallam! Hebrides People Visitors’ Centre, a community - owned company in the Isle of Harris. [Registered 10 April 2020]
In 2017 I ran a competition in schools in the Western Isles to design my official Christmas card. The following donations were made by local firms to cover some of the costs of these cards; Harris Tweed Hebrides, Shawbost, Isle of Lewis, £100; Lighting Electrical, Stornoway, £100; Isle of Barra Beach Hotel, Isle of Barra, £50; and Bob Golland Plumbing, Isle of Lewis, £20. For one further sponsor of this competition, see the “gifts” section of the register.
On Friday 20 July 2018 I visited the Shiant Isles to see the work undertaken by a seabird recovery project. This visit was organised and facilitated by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds Scotland. The total cost was £60 and this was paid for by the ‘Shiant Isles Restoration Project’. The project is an EU LIFE funding project, delivered by Scottish Natural Heritage and RSPB Scotland.
I have a £25 share in Buth Tholastadh (the shop, Tolsta, Isle of Lewis). This is a community owned shop from which I derive no remuneration.
In 2018 I organised a Christmas card competition in local schools. A number of local firms contributed towards offsetting my costs of doing this, though this year, I gave 50% of the below donations to the Iolaire centenary commemoration fund. The donations received were as follows: Creagorry Motors, Isle of Benbecula £200; Luskentyre Harris Tweed Company, Isle of Harris £50; Ken MacDonald and Co, Estate Agents, Isle of Lewis, £50; AJ Martin Builders, Isle of Lewis £50; Mr Alan Brown, £100; Harris Tweed Hebrides, Isle of Lewis, £100.
On 13 January 2014 I was presented with a copy of the book "From the Land Comes the Cloth" by Harris Tweed Hebrides Ltd, Shawbost, Isle of Lewis. The value of the book is £125.
On 11 October 2008 and 16 May 2009 I received dinner, bed and breakfast at Amhuinnsuidhe Castle, Isle of Harris. The castle was not open to the public at the time but I estimate the value of this to be £250 on each occasion.
Since 2016 I have been an honorary patron of the Helping Hand Trust, Scotland (a trust which is seeking to promote the Norwegian community and their culture in Scotland and to develop friendly ties between the two countries, through activities in and around the former Norwegian Seaman’s Church in Leith). I derive no financial gain from this connection.
In 2012 I ran a competition in local schools for a design for my Christmas card. The costs of printing were offset by sponsorship from: Rodel Hotel, Rodel, Isle of Harris (£50); Luskentyre Harris Tweed Ltd, Luskentyre, Isle of Harris (£25); AMK Plant and Tipper Hire Ltd, 4 New Park, Callanish, Isle of Lewis (£25); Alex Murray Construction Ltd, Island Road, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis (£50); Alex Martin Builders, 55 Vatisker, Isle of Lewis (£50); and Isle of Barra Beach Hotel, Tangasdale, Isle of Barra (£50).
I am a member of the Scottish Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, from which I derive no remuneration.
On 5 July 2019 I joined Comunn Eachdraidh Sgìre a’ Bhac (Back History Association). I derive no financial benefit from this.
I am a member of Dualchas Bharraigh (Barra Heritage Society) (Castlebay, Isle of Barra, HS9 5XD). I receive no remuneration for this membership.
In 2020, I ran a competition in local schools to design my official Christmas card and received the following sponsorship to partially offset costs for printing, etc. The donations received were as follows: The Scottish Salmon Company, Isle of Lewis, £100.00; Ken MacDonald Lawyers and Estate Agents, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, £50.00; Hebridean Tea Store, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, £50; The Island Spirit Whisky Shop, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, £40. For one further sponsor of this competition, see the “gifts” section of the register.
I am a member of the Saltire Society, from which I derive no remuneration.
In 2019 I ran a competition among schools in my constituency to design my official Christmas card. I received the following amounts of sponsorship: Horshader Community Development Trust - £250; Hebridean Energy - £100; Bob Golland Plumbing and Heating - £40; Ken MacDonald & Co - £100; and The Blue Pig Studio, Carloway - £50
I am a member of Parliamentarians for Nuclear Non- proliferation and Disarmament, from which I derive no remuneration.
In June 2022, I appeared at the Borders Book Festival. My fee of £175 was paid direct to Western Isles Cancer Care Initiative. [Registered 27 June 2022]
I am a member of Uist Wool, from which I receive no financial or other benefit.
I am a member of the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society. I derive no financial benefit from this.
In October 2012 I received a gift of a large framed photograph of the isle of Harris for the wall of my office in Holyrood from the Morvern Gallery ltd, Barvas, Isle of Lewis. The estimated value of this gift is £400.
Recent Activity
What was said
What Alasdair Allan has said in Parliament
These are the official transcripts of what was said by this MSP in the chamber and at committee meetings. You'll find the topic discussed and how many times this MSP has contributed to the discussion.
Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee meeting date: 30 June 2022
Implementation of the Ireland/Northern Ireland Protocol
Alasdair Allan (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) (SNP): "It has been very interesting to hear from the panel today and get the voice of business…
Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee meeting date: 30 June 2022
Retained European Union Law
Alasdair Allan: "Good morning, Mr Clancy. It is good to see you again at the committee…
Chamber meeting date: 29 June 2022
Islands Bond Scheme
Alasdair Allan (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) (SNP): "The Scottish Government has made clear its commitment to retaining people in our island communities and attracting people to live in those communities…
Rural Affairs, Islands and Natural Environment Committee meeting date: 29 June 2022
Hunting with Dogs (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1
Alasdair Allan (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) (SNP): "I have questions on the next couple of themes, convener. Do you want me to run them together or come back to you?"
Chamber meeting date: 23 June 2022
Uig Harbour Closure
Alasdair Allan (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) (SNP): "Essential infrastructure works are due to start at Uig harbour this October…
Votes
How Alasdair Allan has voted in Parliament
Find out how Alasdair Allan has voted recently.
Northern Ireland Protocol Bill
Submitted by: Sarah Boyack, Lothian, Scottish Labour. Date lodged: Tuesday, June 28, 2022
Supported by: Paul Sweeney
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Wednesday, June 29, 2022
Result 85 for, 25 against, 0 abstained, 19 no vote
MSP voted for
Vote Passed
Business Programme
Submitted by: George Adam, Paisley, Scottish National Party. Date lodged: Tuesday, June 28, 2022
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Wednesday, June 29, 2022
Result 63 for, 47 against, 0 abstained, 19 no vote
MSP voted for
Vote Passed
Business Programme
Submitted by: Stephen Kerr, Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party. Date lodged: Wednesday, June 29, 2022
Supported by: Jeremy Balfour, Miles Briggs, Alexander Burnett, Donald Cameron, Jackson Carlaw, Finlay Carson, Sharon Dowey, Russell Findlay, Murdo Fraser, Meghan Gallacher, Maurice Golden, Pam Gosal, Jamie Greene, Dr. Sandesh Gulhane, Jamie Halcro Johnston, Rachael Hamilton, Craig Hoy, Liam Kerr, Dean Lockhart, Douglas Lumsden, Edward Mountain, Oliver Mundell, Douglas Ross, Graham Simpson, Liz Smith, Alexander Stewart, Sue Webber, Annie Wells, Tess White, Brian Whittle
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Wednesday, June 29, 2022
Result 47 for, 63 against, 0 abstained, 19 no vote
MSP voted against
Vote Defeated
Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Bill
Submitted by: Ash Regan, Edinburgh Eastern, Scottish National Party. Date lodged: Tuesday, June 21, 2022
Supported by: Keith Brown
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Wednesday, June 29, 2022
Result 84 for, 0 against, 25 abstained, 20 no vote
MSP voted for
Vote Passed
Northern Ireland Protocol Bill
Submitted by: Donald Cameron, Highlands and Islands, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party. Date lodged: Tuesday, June 28, 2022
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Wednesday, June 29, 2022
Result 25 for, 85 against, 0 abstained, 19 no vote
MSP voted against
Vote Defeated
Motions
Motions made by Alasdair Allan in Parliament
Find out what motions Alasdair Allan has submitted recently.
Written questions
Written questions Alasdair Allan has submitted in Parliament
These are the questions that this MSP has asked the Scottish Government about its work. It also includes any answer to these questions.
Asked by: Allan, Dr Alasdair, Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 12 July 2022
"To ask the Scottish Government when Transport Scotland expects to provide an update on its consideration of the winter 2022-23 ferry timetable proposals, which were reportedly submitted to Transport Scotland by CalMac in May 2022."
Answered by: Jenny Gilruth on 2 August 2022
Asked by: Allan, Dr Alasdair, Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 28 July 2022
"To ask the Scottish Government what representations it can make to (a) Ofgem and (b) energy supply companies regarding the reported issue of waiting times of more than three months for meters to be installed, exchanged or repaired in the Western Isles, in light of reports that this has become a significant issue for island consumers in the last 12…
Awaiting answer
Asked by: Allan, Dr Alasdair, Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 30 June 2022
"To ask the Scottish Government whether the new booking system for CalMac Ferries, Ar Turas, will gauge unmet demand for ferry services, and, if not, what systems can be put in place to ensure that unmet demand is recorded."
Answered by: Jenny Gilruth on 28 July 2022
Asked by: Allan, Dr Alasdair, Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 30 June 2022
"To ask the Scottish Government whether any attempt has been made to measure the financial and economic losses to the Uist community from ferry disruptions in 2022."
Answered by: Jenny Gilruth on 28 July 2022
Asked by: Allan, Dr Alasdair, Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 22 July 2022
"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update regarding the Lord Advocate’s reference to the Supreme Court on whether the question for a referendum on Scottish independence relates to reserved matters."
Answered by: Dorothy Bain on 22 July 2022
Asked by: Allan, Dr Alasdair, Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 14 June 2022
"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the development of its prospectus for an independent Scotland."
Answered by: Angus Robertson on 14 June 2022
Asked by: Allan, Dr Alasdair, Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 19 May 2022
"To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to ensure that everyone in (a) Scotland and (b) rural and island areas has access to an epilepsy specialist nurse."
Answered by: Humza Yousaf on 7 June 2022
Asked by: Allan, Dr Alasdair, Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 26 May 2022
"To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the guidance to the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 stating that feral sheep, goats and ponies are "protected animals" under the Act on account of domestication making them permanently reliant on humans, whether the Soay and Boreray sheep of St Kilda are covered by the Act, and, if not, for…
Awaiting answer
Asked by: Allan, Dr Alasdair, Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 17 May 2022
"To ask the Scottish Government what plans are in place to continue to support clinical physiology education and training, in light of the viability of the only clinical physiology degree programme in Scotland reportedly being at risk."
Answered by: Humza Yousaf on 26 May 2022
Asked by: Allan, Dr Alasdair, Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 3 May 2022
"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on its discussions with the British Standards Institute regarding the timeline for establishing the proposed Scottish Technical Group, to help ensure that PAS regulations can be tailored for rural and coastal housing stock, climate and geography."
Answered by: Patrick Harvie on 10 May 2022
See all of Alasdair Allan's written questions submitted in Parliament