Wednesday March 25th 2026
Christine Grahame MSP in the Scottish Parliament Chamber
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Christine Grahame MSP has thanked constituents across Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale as she prepares to retire from the Scottish Parliament after nearly three decades of public service.
With the Scottish Parliament election taking place in May and Parliament due to dissolve on 9 April, Ms Grahame said the coming weeks would mark the end of a long and memorable chapter in her life.
Reflecting on her time in Parliament, she said:
“Over the next few weeks, I’ll be clearing out my office at Parliament. After nearly three decades, that’s quite a task and it brings back many memories. I was first elected in 1999 when Scotland’s new Parliament opened, and it has been an extraordinary journey since those early days in offices at the top of the Royal Mile.”
She highlighted some of the work she is most proud of during her time as an MSP, including campaigning for the return of the Borders Railway and introducing legislation to improve dog welfare in Scotland.
“I will never forget being on the first train when the Borders Railway reopened, with crowds cheering along the route. It showed what can be achieved when communities campaign for something they believe in.”
During her time in Parliament, Ms Grahame introduced the Control of Dogs (Scotland) Act 2010 and the Welfare of Dogs (Scotland) Act 2026, aimed at improving responsible dog ownership and tackling irresponsible breeding and puppy farming.
“Improving the welfare of dogs in Scotland is one of the things I am most proud of from my time as an MSP”, Grahame explained, “If this work helps even a small number of dogs to have better lives and more responsible owners, then it has been worth it. Public service is often about small changes that make a real difference over time.”
However, she said the most important part of her role had always been helping local people:
“Above all, the most important part of this job has always been helping constituents. My office currently has around 170 live cases, and supporting individuals and families across Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale has been a real privilege. Although Parliament will soon dissolve, my office will continue to assist constituents during this period.”
As she prepares to step down from Parliament, she said she was looking forward to a new chapter.
She added: “After nearly 27 years, it will soon be time for a new chapter and a return to civvy life. Before then, I simply want to say thank you to everyone who has supported me, worked with me, contacted my office for help, or stopped me for a chat over the years. It has been an honour to serve the people of Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale in the Scottish Parliament.”
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