AS the curtains draw on 2023, it’s a time to pause and reflect on a year that has seen significant political shifts, challenges, and vibrant discussions in Scotland.

I began this year with my National pieces discussing the nuances of language in the Deaf community and ending with the complexities of human rights. Each issue we navigated this year has added to the discourse of Scotland’s evolving political landscape.

I had no idea when I wrote about the positives of Spring that we would be heading into a leadership campaign shortly after, added to that a whole barrage of negative press and stories.

But I still feel that through the most challenging of times and what feels like a long hard winter, we can look forward with a positive outlook. Goal setting never considers the adverse experiences that may disrupt our plans but it does instil a resilience in us. Something we surely all need and must work towards.

When the SNP leadership election captured the nation’s attention it was a pivotal moment, not just for our party but for Scotland’s future direction. The leadership race brought to the fore diverse visions and ideas, reflecting the real broad church within the SNP.

It was a time of introspection and forward-thinking, as we collectively pondered the path ahead, especially concerning Scotland’s independent place in the world.

Our advancements in human rights were not without their challenges. This was evident this year as the UK Government’s interventions, particularly in vetoing the Gender Recognition Reform and diluting the UNCRC bill, were stark reminders of the limitations of our current constitutional arrangement. These actions from Westminster not only contradicted Scotland’s democratic will but also underscored the contrasting approaches to human rights between the two governments.

As I sat on the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee, scrutinising these bills, it became increasingly clear that Scotland’s ambition for a more inclusive society was often at odds with the UK Government’s policies. The need for Scottish independence, to fully realise our aspirations for a society grounded in equality and fairness, was never more evident.

The seventy-fifth anniversary of the declaration of human rights was at a poignant time for these reflections on the need for progress and for Scottish society and inclusivity to be driven by those who live and work here. It is our society, to be led by us.

The plight of our fishing communities post-Brexit was another issue that continually struck a chord. It highlighted the need for Scotland to have a direct say in EU negotiations to protect and advance our interests. We see that more evidently right now with a UK immigration bill set to cause serious detriment to the fishing sector. We need a workforce not ideology to drive our local economies.

If anything, this year has done more to highlight the need for us to forge our own path than any other. The attack on devolution is as clear as day – the Unionists aren’t hiding it any more. They would rather have control over our laws if it means satisfying their ideological desires than do what is best for Scotland.

The year 2023 was not just about specific policies or events, it was about the collective journey of a nation grappling with its identity, values and future. One which we should get to decide upon. We have many views, and many may imagine a different future from me, but ultimately it should be one that we debate between ourselves, and one that we own.

It is crucial to acknowledge how global events have profoundly influenced our local communities. The ongoing war in Ukraine, a conflict that may have once felt distant, was brought to our doorstep in a deeply personal way. Scotland, through its Super Sponsor Scheme, opened its arms to refugees, embracing them into our communities. This initiative wasn’t just a policy decision, it was a testament to our nation’s spirit of inclusivity and empathy, and the one-year anniversary was testament to that.

Equally poignant was how the conflict in Gaza found a personal resonance in Scotland, through our First Minister Humza Yousaf. With family directly affected in Gaza, the conflict ceased to be a distant news item, becoming a lived reality that touched our nation’s leader. This personal connection brought a unique insight and urgency to the suffering faced by people in conflict zones, bridging the gap between global affairs and local empathy.

In every article I penned, from reflecting on Deaf awareness to advocating for human rights, the underlying theme has always been about humanity versus ideology. It’s about recognising that our political actions and decisions have real, tangible impacts on people’s lives, both here in Scotland and beyond our borders.

This year has been a reminder that the pursuit of independence isn’t just a political goal, it’s a pathway to safeguarding the values we hold dear. It’s about having the autonomy to enact laws that resonate with our ethos, without interference from a government whose actions increasingly diverge from our understanding of a fair, just society.

As we welcomed Ukrainian refugees and empathised with the plight of people in Gaza, we were reminded of the universality of human suffering and the power of compassion.

These events, though happening miles away, touched our lives, underscoring the interconnectedness of our global community. These global crises embedded directly into our hearts and homes, giving us a profound perspective on the impacts of war and conflict.

So, 2023 was a year of significant political events, both globally and locally. In Scotland, we’ve navigated these with a focus on empathy, inclusivity and the unwavering pursuit of a society where every individual’s rights are respected and upheld.

As we step into another year, I hope we can carry with us the lessons learned and the resolve to continue building a nation that stands as a beacon of hope, fairness, and human dignity for all.