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Chamber and committees

Galashiels Campaigner John Davidson MBE Inspires with Film About Tourette Syndrome I Swear

  • Submitted by: Rachael Hamilton, Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party.
  • Date lodged: Monday, 10 November 2025
  • Motion type: Standard Motion
  • Motion reference: S6M-19630

That the Parliament congratulates John Davidson MBE, from Galashiels in the Scottish Borders, for his lifelong work raising awareness of Tourette  syndrome and for his recent memoir and film I Swear, which chart his experiences growing up with the condition; notes that John was diagnosed with Tourette syndrome at the age of 15; recognises the challenges that he faced growing up with the condition, including coping with physical tics and coprolalia, and overcoming misunderstanding and stigma; acknowledges John’s decades of campaigning to improve understanding and support for people living with Tourette syndrome, including his work on the 1989 BBC documentary John’s Not Mad; recognises that he was awarded an MBE in 2019 for his efforts; believes that the film, I Swear, which stars Robert Aramayo and Maxine Peake, is a powerful portrayal of the challenges faced by those with Tourette syndrome, highlighting the importance of empathy, support, awareness and the contribution of all involved in bringing John’s story to a wider audience; welcomes the film’s role in challenging stereotypes, fostering understanding of neurological conditions and promoting education, support services and pathways for people diagnosed with Tourette syndrome, and commends John Davidson, his family and all involved in the production of I Swear, for the success of the film and its positive impact on communities across Scotland and beyond. 


Supported by: Colin Beattie, Miles Briggs, Tim Eagle, Annabelle Ewing, Meghan Gallacher, Dr Pam Gosal MBE, Dr Sandesh Gulhane (Registered interest) , Craig Hoy, Liam Kerr, Bill Kidd, Edward Mountain, Douglas Ross, Alexander Stewart, Paul Sweeney, Annie Wells, Tess White, Brian Whittle