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Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs)

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Rachael Hamilton

Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party

MSP for Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire (Constituency) 2017 - present day

Former MSP for South Scotland (Region) 2016 - 2017

About Rachael Hamilton

Contact details

Contact online

X (previously known as Twitter): @Rachael2Win

Facebook: Rachael's facebook

Contact at the Scottish Parliament

The Scottish Parliament
Edinburgh
EH99 1SP

Phone: 0131 348 6970
Text relay calls welcome.

Contact at local office

7 Abbey Court
Kelso
TD5 7JA

Phone: 01573 224862
Text relay calls welcome.

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

Committees

Rachael is a member of 1 committee

Cross-party groups

Rachael is a member of 16 cross-party groups

Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Conditions

Deputy Convener

Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Building Bridges with Israel

Member

Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Crofting

Member

Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Dyslexia

Member

Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on End of Life Choices

Co-Convener

Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Fisheries and Coastal Communities

Member

Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Gardening and Horticulture

Convener

Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Independent Convenience Stores

Member

Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Outdoor Education

Member

Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Scotch Whisky

Member

Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Scottish Horseracing and Bloodstock Industries

Member

Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Social Enterprise

Member

Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on St Andrew's Day

Member

Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Tourism

Member

Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on USA

Member

Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Women's Health

Member

Parliamentary and Government Roles

Rachael does not have any parliamentary or government roles

Party Roles

Rachael has 1 party role

Deputy Party Leader

Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party

Previous roles

Rachael has had 23 previous roles

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

01 February 2023 - 10 October 2024

Rural Affairs and Islands Committee

Member

21 May 2021 - 28 September 2024

Party Spokesperson on Islands

Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party

21 May 2021 - 28 September 2024

Party Spokesperson on Rural Affairs

Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party

25 May 2022 - 29 June 2023

Equalities Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee

Member

17 June 2021 - 01 February 2023

Rural Affairs Islands and Natural Environment Committee

Member

08 September 2021 - 25 May 2022

Social Justice and Social Security Committee

Substitute Member

11 August 2020 - 04 May 2021

Party Spokesperson on Social Security

Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party

11 August 2020 - 04 May 2021

Party Spokesperson on Older People

Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party

25 February 2020 - 04 May 2021

Culture Tourism Europe and External Affairs Committee

Substitute Member

20 August 2020 - 04 May 2021

Social Security Committee

Member

25 February 2020 - 20 August 2020

Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee

Member

28 June 2017 - 11 August 2020

Party Spokesperson on Tourism

Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party

18 February 2020 - 11 August 2020

Party Spokesperson on Rural Economy

Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party

18 February 2020 - 11 August 2020

Co-Chair

Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party

10 September 2019 - 25 February 2020

Environment Climate Change and Land Reform Committee

Member

28 June 2017 - 18 February 2020

Party Spokesperson on Culture

Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party

17 May 2018 - 10 September 2019

Public Petitions Committee

Member

21 June 2017 - 17 May 2018

Culture Tourism Europe and External Relations Committee

Member

26 May 2016 - 02 May 2017

Deputy Party Spokesperson on Tourism

Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party

26 May 2016 - 02 May 2017

Deputy Party Spokesperson on Business

Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party

29 September 2016 - 02 May 2017

Culture Tourism Europe and External Relations Committee

Member

08 June 2016 - 17 November 2016

Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee

Member

08 June 2016 - 29 September 2016

European and External Relations Committee

Member

Register of interests

Rachael'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 Rachael Hamilton. The date of their initial statement was 14 May 2021.

Remuneration and related undertaking

I am a director of Borders Hotels Ltd, a hospitality firm of the Green, St Boswells, Melrose, Roxburghshire, TD6 0EW. I received £2,000 in the form of dividends in the year end accounts which I then paid directly into the company.

Gifts

No registrable interests.

Overseas visits

From 4 July to 8 July 2022 I visited Munich and Berlin, Germany, as part of a cross-Party delegation from the Scottish Parliament, meeting Parliamentarians, public officials and business representatives, as a guest of the Hanns Seidel Foundation. The costs of the visit, including travel, accommodation, meals and translation services amounted to £1300 and were paid by the Hanns Seidel Foundation (a political research foundation of Munich, Germany). [Registered 1 August 2022]

Controlled transactions

No registrable interests.

Heritable property

No registrable interests.

Interest in shares

I own 49% of the issued share capital in Borders Hotels Ltd. of the Green, St Boswells, Melrose, Roxburghshire, TD6 0EW. These are ordinary shares with a market value of £120,518. The company is a privately owned limited company therefore market value is difficult to determine. The value given is the net asset value based on the latest accounts filed with Companies House.

Voluntary

No registrable interests.

Recent Activity

What was said

What Rachael Hamilton 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.

Peter Murrell Charges (Information Sharing)

Chamber meeting date: 18 February 2026

Rachael Hamilton (Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire) (Con): "The Lord Advocate says that sharing details with the First Minister is normal…

Peter Murrell Charges (Information Sharing)

Chamber meeting date: 18 February 2026

Rachael Hamilton (Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire) (Con): "The Lord Advocate says that sharing details with the First Minister is normal…

Peter Murrell Charges (Information Sharing)

Chamber meeting date: 18 February 2026

Rachael Hamilton (Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire) (Con): "The Lord Advocate says that sharing details with the First Minister is normal…

Peter Murrell Charges (Information Sharing)

Chamber meeting date: 18 February 2026

Rachael Hamilton (Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire) (Con): "The Lord Advocate says that sharing details with the First Minister is normal…

Peter Murrell Charges (Information Sharing)

Chamber meeting date: 18 February 2026

Rachael Hamilton (Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire) (Con): "The Lord Advocate says that sharing details with the First Minister is normal…

Votes

How Rachael Hamilton has voted in Parliament

Find out how Rachael Hamilton has voted recently.

Scottish Rate Resolution

Motion ref. S6M-20844

Submitted by: Shona Robison, Dundee City East, Scottish National Party. Date lodged: Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Supported by: Ivan McKee
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Thursday, February 19, 2026

Result 93 for, 29 against, 1 abstained, 6 did not vote

MSP voted against

Agreed

Business Programme

Motion ref. S6M-20826.1

Submitted by: Douglas Ross, Highlands and Islands, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party. Date lodged: Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Supported by: Miles Briggs, Alexander Burnett, Jackson Carlaw, Finlay Carson, Sharon Dowey, Tim Eagle, Russell Findlay, Murdo Fraser, Meghan Gallacher, Maurice Golden, Dr Pam Gosal MBE, Dr Sandesh Gulhane, Jamie Halcro Johnston, Rachael Hamilton, Craig Hoy, Liam Kerr, Stephen Kerr, Douglas Lumsden, Roz McCall, Edward Mountain, Oliver Mundell, Liz Smith, Alexander Stewart, Sue Webber, Annie Wells, Tess White, Brian Whittle
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Result 51 for, 71 against, 0 abstained, 7 did not vote

MSP voted for

Disagreed

Approval of SSI

Motion ref. S6M-20827

Submitted by: Graeme Dey, Angus South, Scottish National Party. Date lodged: Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Result 112 for, 7 against, 1 abstained, 9 did not vote

MSP voted for

Agreed

A Just Transition Fund for Mossmorran

Motion ref. S6M-20820.2

Submitted by: Daniel Johnson, Edinburgh Southern, Scottish Labour. Date lodged: Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Supported by: Alex Rowley, Paul Sweeney
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Result 93 for, 28 against, 1 abstained, 7 did not vote

MSP voted against

Agreed

Ending US Military Use of Scottish Airports

Motion ref. S6M-20819.3

Submitted by: Angus Robertson, Edinburgh Central, Scottish National Party. Date lodged: Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Supported by: Graeme Dey
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Result 89 for, 7 against, 27 abstained, 6 did not vote

MSP abstained

Agreed

Motions

Questions

Questions Rachael Hamilton has asked

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

Question reference: S6W-43827

Asked by: Rachael Hamilton, Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party

Date lodged: 18 February 2026

Current Status: Answer expected on 4 March 2026

"To ask the Scottish Government what steps it will take to ensure that communities retain meaningful opportunities to participate in decision-making on large-scale energy infrastructure proposals under the revised procedures for applications for energy consents."

Question reference: S6W-43824

Asked by: Rachael Hamilton, Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party

Date lodged: 18 February 2026

Current Status: Answer expected on 4 March 2026

"To ask the Scottish Government, regarding applications for energy consents, what criteria reporters will use to determine whether a Public Local Inquiry should take place under the new reporter-led examination process."

Question reference: S6W-43825

Asked by: Rachael Hamilton, Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party

Date lodged: 18 February 2026

Current Status: Answer expected on 4 March 2026

"To ask the Scottish Government, regarding applications for energy consents, whether it will (a) monitor the number of Public Local Inquiries held following implementation of the new process for considering these and (b) publish data on how frequently inquiries are granted following planning authority objections."

Question reference: S6W-43823

Asked by: Rachael Hamilton, Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party

Date lodged: 18 February 2026

Current Status: Answer expected on 4 March 2026

"To ask the Scottish Government how many applications for energy consents under sections 36 and 37 of the Electricity Act 1989 over the last five years involved planning authority objections that resulted in a Public Local Inquiry being held."

Question reference: S6W-43826

Asked by: Rachael Hamilton, Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party

Date lodged: 18 February 2026

Current Status: Answer expected on 4 March 2026

"To ask the Scottish Government, regarding applications for energy consents, what consultation it has undertaken with (a) planning authorities and (b) local communities regarding the removal of the automatic Public Local Inquiry trigger."

Question reference: S6W-43828

Asked by: Rachael Hamilton, Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party

Date lodged: 18 February 2026

Current Status: Answer expected on 4 March 2026

"To ask the Scottish Government, regarding applications for energy consents, what assessment it has made of any financial savings that may be made as a result of the removal of the automatic Public Local Inquiry trigger."

Question reference: S6W-43822

Asked by: Rachael Hamilton, Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party

Date lodged: 18 February 2026

Current Status: Answer expected on 4 March 2026

"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of any impact on community participation and transparency of the removal of the automatic requirement for a Public Local Inquiry when a planning authority objects to an application under sections 36 or 37 of the Electricity Act 1989."

Question reference: S6O-05557

Asked by: Rachael Hamilton, Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party

Date lodged: 18 February 2026

Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 25 February 2026

"To ask the Scottish Government how much it has allocated in its draft Budget 2026-27 to support women in enterprise, including in the Scottish Borders."

Question reference: S6W-43583

Asked by: Rachael Hamilton, Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party

Date lodged: 5 February 2026

Current Status: Answered by Mairi Gougeon on 13 February 2026

"To ask the Scottish Government what opportunities there are for communities affected by a proposed development, such as the Center Parcs proposal in the Scottish Borders, to have representations considered by ministers once a byelaw application has been submitted for determination."

Question reference: S6W-43584

Asked by: Rachael Hamilton, Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party

Date lodged: 5 February 2026

Current Status: Answered by Mairi Gougeon on 12 February 2026

"To ask the Scottish Government how ministers ensure transparency in decision-making when determining byelaws under section 12 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 that relate to land subject to ongoing development proposals."