Convener role for MSP Joan

South Scotland MSP Joan McAlpine has been nominated as convener of the Europe, External Relations, Culture and Tourism Committee.
Ms McAlpine said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be nominated for this role. Much of the business of the Scottish Parliament is conducted through its committees, including scrutiny of the budget and all legislation.
“It’s a very exciting time to be appointed to the parliament’s Europe committee. And from a constituency point of view, the culture and tourism remit is very important to the south of Scotland.”
The committee is expected to have a high profile role in examining the implications for Scotland of Brexit.
It is also expected to take a close interest in the new BBC charter as well as the running of Visit Scotland and Creative Scotland.
Ms McAlpine said: “As someone who worked in the media all my life, including arts journalism, I’ve taken a keen interest in culture since being elected in 2011 including setting up the cross-party group on culture.
“Locally I’ve supported the Big Burns Supper, the Theatre Royal, the Stove Network and other cultural initiatives which help promote the economy and attract visitors to the region.
“I shall certainly be using some of these local experiences in my approach to the committee work.”