The role of MSPs

Question 1

Answering Phone Calls, Letters and Emails

Answer 1

Constituents can contact MSPs in many ways. One duty of an MSP is for them to respond to requests from constituents. Here, constituents can phone or write to MSPs about any concerns they have.

For example, constituents may contact MSPs about various issues such as litter, knife crime and pot holes.

Question 2

Attend Meetings

Answer 2

MSPs may be asked to attend meetings. This could be to see how the MSP can help or just to let them know about the work that is going on in the community.

For example, groups such as pressure groups and local community groups might invite an MSP to sit in a meeting. An MSP may also meet with the local council to resolve an issue.

Question 3

Fact Finding Missions

Answer 3

When a constituent raises an issue, an MSP may have to visit somewhere to see first hand what the problem is. After, the MSP might arrange more meetings to resolve the problem or raise it as an issue in Parliament

For example, MSP Fiona Hyslop in 2022 went on a fact finding mission to a renewable energy project in Aberdeen