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Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs)

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Finlay Carson

Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party

MSP for Galloway and West Dumfries (Constituency) 2016 - present day

About Finlay Carson

Contact details

Contact online

X (previously known as Twitter): @fincarson

Facebook: Finlay's facebook

Contact at the Scottish Parliament

The Scottish Parliament
Edinburgh
EH99 1SP

Contact at local office

107 King Street
Castle Douglas
DG7 1LZ

Phone: 01556 504991
Text relay calls welcome.

Find out when the MSP's surgery times are on their website.

Committees

Finlay is a member of 1 committee

Cross-party groups

Finlay is a member of 14 cross-party groups

Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Autism

Member

Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Brain Tumours

Deputy Convener

Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Cancer

Member

Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Circular Economy

Member

Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Civil Nuclear Industry

Member

Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Dyslexia

Member

Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Ice Sports

Member

Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Islands

Member

Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Nature and Climate

Co-Convener

Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Rugby Development in Scotland

Member

Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Rural Policy

Member

Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Science and Technology

Member

Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Shared Parenting

Deputy Convener

Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Wood Panel Industry

Member

Parliamentary and Government Roles

Finlay has 1 parliamentary and government role

Conveners Group

Member

Party Roles

Finlay does not have any party roles

Previous roles

Finlay has had 16 previous roles

Previous roles in cross-party groups are not included in this list.

22 June 2021 - 01 February 2023

Rural Affairs Islands and Natural Environment Committee

Convener

17 June 2021 - 22 June 2021

Rural Affairs Islands and Natural Environment Committee

Member

11 August 2020 - 04 May 2021

Deputy Party Spokesperson on Natural Environment

Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party

11 August 2020 - 04 May 2021

Deputy Party Spokesperson on Rural Affairs

Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party

17 September 2019 - 04 May 2021

Environment Climate Change and Land Reform Committee

Deputy Convener

18 February 2020 - 11 August 2020

Deputy Party Spokesperson on Land Reform

Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party

18 February 2020 - 11 August 2020

Deputy Party Spokesperson on the Environment

Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party

18 February 2020 - 11 August 2020

Deputy Party Spokesperson on Climate Change

Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party

18 September 2019 - 25 February 2020

Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee

Substitute Member

29 June 2017 - 25 February 2020

Public Audit and Postlegislative Scrutiny Committee

Substitute Member

28 June 2017 - 18 February 2020

Deputy Party Spokesperson on Biodiversity

Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party

28 June 2017 - 18 February 2020

Deputy Party Spokesperson on Animal Welfare

Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party

28 June 2017 - 18 February 2020

Deputy Party Spokesperson on Digital Economy

Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party

08 June 2016 - 17 September 2019

Environment Climate Change and Land Reform Committee

Member

26 May 2016 - 28 June 2017

Deputy Party Spokesperson on Fisheries

Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party

26 May 2016 - 28 June 2017

Deputy Party Spokesperson on Rural Development

Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party

Register of interests

Finlay'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 Finlay Carson. The date of their initial statement was 09 June 2021.

Remuneration and related undertaking

Until 30 April 2023, when I resigned, I was a Director of Conchieton Solutions, an IT consultancy firm (of Conchieton Business Centre, Conchieton, Kirkcudbright, DG6 4TA). I received dividends of £2,000 on 1 June 2020 and £2,000 in June 2021. I estimated that, over the session, I would spend 5 hours per annum on this role. [Amended interest 28 June 2023]

Until 30 April 2023, when I resigned, I was a partner in J and F Carson, a farming and property letting partnership (of Conchieton Business Centre, Conchieton, Kirkcudbright, DG6 4TA). I received £13,000 in drawings from the partnership in 2020. In 2021 I was remunerated by way of profit share and I estimated I would spend up to 14 hours per annum on this role. [Amended interest 28 June 2023]

Gifts

No registrable interests

Overseas visits

No registrable interests

Controlled transactions

No registrable interests

Heritable property

No registrable interests

Interest in shares

No registrable interests

Voluntary

On 23 February 2018 I and my daughter attended the Scotland v France rugby match at Murrayfield as guests of BT Openreach. In addition to tickets for the match the hospitality included food and drink. I understand that the cost of this hospitality was approximately £1000. I do not consider that this meets the prejudice test but wish it to be registered in the voluntary section of my register.

From 14 to 16 August 2018 I travelled to Norway on a study visit to explore Deposit Return Schemes. The costs of the visit were approximately £689, £220 for hotel, £319 for flights and around £150 for meals, which were met by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation (a registered charity that funds the charitable work of organisations that are building an inclusive, creative and sustainable society of Kings Place, 90 York Way, London N1 9AG). I believe that the interest does not meet the prejudice test.

On 9 March 2019 I attended the Scotland v Wales rugby match at Murrayfield as guests of BT Scotland. In addition to the ticket for the match, the hospitality included food and drink. I understand that the cost of this hospitality was approximately £500. I believe that the interest does not meet the prejudice test.

Recent Activity

What was said

What Finlay Carson 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.

Chamber meeting date: 3 October 2024

Leavers Fund

6. Finlay Carson (Galloway and West Dumfries) (Con): "To ask the Scottish Government what its proposed timeline and target date are for the establishment of a leavers fund to support victims of domestic abuse to leave abusive relationships. (S6O-03802)"

Chamber meeting date: 3 October 2024

Leavers Fund

6. Finlay Carson (Galloway and West Dumfries) (Con): "To ask the Scottish Government what its proposed timeline and target date are for the establishment of a leavers fund to support victims of domestic abuse to leave abusive relationships. (S6O-03802)"

Chamber meeting date: 2 October 2024

Tree Planting

Finlay Carson (Galloway and West Dumfries) (Con): "Scotland’s forestry sector achieved record tree planting last year, but budget cuts will limit new woodland creation to around 10,000 hectares this year…

Chamber meeting date: 26 September 2024

A75 (Proposed Crocketford and Springholm Bypasses)

Finlay Carson (Galloway and West Dumfries) (Con): "From a response to my letter to the Prime Minister, I understand that the Department for Transport is still in discussions with His Majesty’s Treasury regarding the £8 million committed by the former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to fund a study on the A75. I am also aware that the Secretary of State for Transport has met the cabinet secretary to…

Chamber meeting date: 25 September 2024

Tax Policy (Impact on Recruitment)

8. Finlay Carson (Galloway and West Dumfries) (Con): "To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to reassess its tax policies, in the light of reports from some businesses that higher taxes are having a negative impact on recruitment, including in the most recent Fraser of Allander Institute survey on Scottish income tax. (S6O-03764)"

Votes

How Finlay Carson has voted in Parliament

Find out how Finlay Carson has voted recently.

Motion ref. S6M-14719

Housing Emergency

Submitted by: Anas Sarwar, Glasgow, Scottish Labour. Date lodged: Monday, September 30, 2024

Supported by: Mark Griffin, Paul Sweeney, Martin Whitfield
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Wednesday, October 2, 2024

Result 59 for, 55 against, 8 abstained, 7 did not vote

MSP voted against

Vote Passed

Motion ref. S6M-14719.4

Housing Emergency

Submitted by: Paul McLennan, East Lothian, Scottish National Party. Date lodged: Tuesday, October 1, 2024

Supported by: Shirley-Anne Somerville, Kaukab Stewart
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Wednesday, October 2, 2024

Result 60 for, 54 against, 8 abstained, 7 did not vote

MSP voted against

Vote Passed

Motion ref. S6M-14710

Aggregates Tax and Devolved Taxes Administration (Scotland) Bill

Submitted by: Ivan McKee, Glasgow Provan, Scottish National Party. Date lodged: Monday, September 30, 2024

Supported by: Shona Robison
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Tuesday, October 1, 2024

Result 112 for, 0 against, 0 abstained, 17 did not vote

MSP voted for

Vote Passed

Motion ref. S6M-14652.1

Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Bill: Timetable for Consideration

Submitted by: Graham Simpson, Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party. Date lodged: Wednesday, September 25, 2024

Supported by: Jeremy Balfour, Miles Briggs, Alexander Burnett, Jackson Carlaw, Finlay Carson, Sharon Dowey, Tim Eagle, Russell Findlay, Murdo Fraser, Meghan Gallacher, Maurice Golden, Pam Gosal, Jamie Greene, Dr. Sandesh Gulhane, Jamie Halcro Johnston, Rachael Hamilton, Craig Hoy, Liam Kerr, Stephen Kerr, Douglas Lumsden, Roz McCall, Edward Mountain, Oliver Mundell, Douglas Ross, Liz Smith, Alexander Stewart, Sue Webber, Annie Wells, Tess White, Brian Whittle
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Wednesday, September 25, 2024

Result 60 for, 60 against, 0 abstained, 9 did not vote

MSP voted for

Vote Defeated

Motion ref. S6M-14652

Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Bill: Timetable for Consideration

Submitted by: Jamie Hepburn, Cumbernauld and Kilsyth, Scottish National Party. Date lodged: Tuesday, September 24, 2024

Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Wednesday, September 25, 2024

Result 60 for, 61 against, 0 abstained, 8 did not vote

MSP voted against

Vote Defeated

Motions

Questions

Questions Finlay Carson has asked

These are the questions that this MSP has asked in Parliament. It also includes any answer to those questions.

Question ref. S6W-30075

Asked by: Carson, Finlay, Galloway and West Dumfries, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 23 September 2024

"To ask the Scottish Government when all of its Fisheries Management Plans will be made public in draft form."

Answered by Mairi Gougeon on 27 September 2024

Question ref. S6W-30073

Asked by: Carson, Finlay, Galloway and West Dumfries, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 20 September 2024

"To ask the Scottish Government how much Seafish was paid to assist in drafting its Fisheries Management Plans."

Answered by Mairi Gougeon on 27 September 2024

Question ref. S6W-30074

Asked by: Carson, Finlay, Galloway and West Dumfries, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 20 September 2024

"To ask the Scottish Government whether each of its Fisheries Management Plans will be delivered before the deadline."

Answered by Mairi Gougeon on 27 September 2024

Question ref. S6W-30072

Asked by: Carson, Finlay, Galloway and West Dumfries, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 20 September 2024

"To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide full details in relation to the commissioning of Seafish to assist in the delivery of its Fisheries Management Plans under the Joint Fisheries Statement."

Answered by Mairi Gougeon on 27 September 2024

Question ref. S6O-03802

Asked by: Carson, Finlay, Galloway and West Dumfries, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 25 September 2024

"To ask the Scottish Government what its proposed timeline and target date are for the establishment of a leavers fund to support victims of domestic abuse to leave abusive relationships."

Taken in the Chamber on 3 October 2024

Question ref. S6W-29906

Asked by: Carson, Finlay, Galloway and West Dumfries, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 16 September 2024

"To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to the findings and recommendations set out in Blood Cancer UK’s latest report, UK Blood Cancer Action Plan 2024."

Answered by Neil Gray on 20 September 2024

Question ref. S6O-03764

Asked by: Carson, Finlay, Galloway and West Dumfries, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 18 September 2024

"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to reassess its tax policies, in light of reports from some businesses that higher taxes are having a negative impact on recruitment, including in the most recent Fraser of Allander Institute survey on Scottish income tax."

Taken in the Chamber on 25 September 2024

Question ref. S6W-29585

Asked by: Carson, Finlay, Galloway and West Dumfries, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 5 September 2024

"To ask the Scottish Government when registered social landlords (RSL) will be advised of their 2024-25 budget allocation for aids and adaptations."

Answered by Paul McLennan on 17 September 2024

Question ref. S6O-03689

Asked by: Carson, Finlay, Galloway and West Dumfries, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 4 September 2024

"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it has taken to ensure that any future Galloway National Park will work in the best interests of local communities."

Taken in the Chamber on 11 September 2024

Question ref. S6W-27975

Asked by: Carson, Finlay, Galloway and West Dumfries, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 27 June 2024

"To ask the Scottish Government what consideration it is giving to the provision of support for dog owners who are fleeing domestic abuse and seeking accommodation, including (a) any lack of provision by local authorities to house people in temporary accommodation with a dog and (b) the length of time that is spent in temporary accommodation that…

Answered by Paul McLennan on 11 July 2024

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