MSPs

• One role of an MSP in parliament is to take part in debates. This is when MSPs meet in the debating chamber of the Scottish Parliament each Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoon to discuss problems and ask parliament to resolve them as well as debate proposed new laws. For example, MSPs in the Scottish Parliament debated smacking children before it was banned.
• Another role of an MSP in parliament is to take part in question time. This is an important opportunity for MSPs to ask government ministers (which includes the First Minister) important questions that matter to their constituents. For example, the First Minister answers questions every Thursday from MSPs on the work of the government.
• A final role of an MSP in parliament is to take part in "decision time". This takes place at the end of each day in the debating chamber where MSPs vote together to decide parliament's position on a debate or law. If the vote passes then it is counted as the will of parliament. For example, MSPs in the Scottish parliament voted to approve the government's budget to give all under 21s free bus travel.
• One role of an MSP in their constituency is to work in between the constituency and parliament. MSPs split their working week between the Scottish parliament and the constituency. For example, they spend Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh and the rest of the time in their local area.
• Another role of an MSP in the constituency is to hold local surgeries. This is a dedicated time of the week where the locals can go to speak to their MSP about devolved issues that are important to them. For example, MSP Siobhan Brown holds virtual surgeries on a Friday from 11am to 12pm.
• A final role of an MSP in the constituency is to attend important meetings and events. MSPs will often attend important meetings and events happening in their local area. This allows MSPs to speak to the locals and understand more about the community. For example, Siobhan Brown attended the opening of the new early Cancer Diagnostic Centre in Ayr of June 2021.