On the second-last day of that whirlwind month came a tangible reminder of the looming end of term as an email entitled ‘Packing up your Holyrood office’ landed in the inbox of every MSP and staff member. There’s nothing so final as a ‘clear your desk’ message!

As I cleared mine last week, I paused repeatedly on the many notes, cards, and items from across the region that I’ve picked up over the past five years.  From the Peedie Bird I had hanging behind my desk which always made me think about survivors in the isles, to the bottle of Kirkjuvagr I was keeping for a special occasion, and a beautiful thank-you note from St Margaret’s Hope written by one of the first constituents I opened a case for, it got me thinking about my time representing Orkney – which comes to an end very soon – and why I know SNP representation will benefit the islands moving forward.

While the work continues in Parliament, those of us seeking to keep or gain a seat at Holyrood are making the case with voters across our constituencies. For me, that means persuading the good folk of Inverness and Nairn that I am the best candidate to represent them.

And Robert Leslie is doing the same here in Orkney, boosted by the recent visit from First Minister John Swinney, who is powering around the country as we head towards polling day.

The message to voters is a clear one. On 7th May, vote SNP to ensure a government focused on our NHS, the cost-of-living crisis and offering folk hope through a fresh start with independence.

And it seems that message is getting through on doorsteps in Orkney and across Scotland. A new poll has the SNP on course for 67 seats, with the Labour Party winning just 15 seats, a distant third behind Reform UK on 25.

This landmark poll shows momentum is firmly with the SNP as Scottish voters unite behind a majority. John Swinney’s strong leadership is on Scotland’s side, focussed on Scotland’s priorities – and a world away from the chaos and scandal of Westminster.

While Westminster parties squabble amongst themselves, John Swinney is laser focussed on improving our NHS and offering the best cost of living support package available on these islands.

The Westminster establishment is in chaos and broken, Brexit Britain is in terminal decline – in May, a fresh start with independence is now there to be won.

In amongst all this, Holyrood approved the 2026-27 Scottish Budget, including a record £22.5 billion for health and social care and enhanced cost of living support. The Budget Bill sets out funding of almost £68 billion with investment in Scotland’s infrastructure, direct support for household budgets and extra help for families. This SNP Budget delivers for the people of Scotland – strengthening our NHS and providing real, practical support with the cost of living.

It will improve access to healthcare, including funding for a network of 16 walk-in GP clinics open seven days per week, and builds on work to eradicate child poverty, with an increase in the Scottish Child Payment.

This Budget demonstrates our determination to improve lives across Scotland, and our plans mean that 55% of taxpayers can expect to pay less income tax than in the rest of the UK.

These are among many reasons that both your votes should go to the SNP on 7^th May.

This is a regular column by SNP MSP Emma Roddick. All Highlands and Islands MSPs have been offered the same space in The Orkney News to share their personal views.