On 7 May 2026, the people of South Scotland elected Laura Moodie as a list MSP. Here, Laura sets out her vision for a fairer, stronger, greener region, which she’ll be fighting for in Holyrood.
Together, we can build a South of Scotland where nobody is left behind and every community thrives.
I’ve called the South of Scotland home for over twelve years now, and I can’t imagine living anywhere else. This beautiful region, from the rolling hills of South Lanarkshire and the Borders to the dramatic coastlines of Dumfries and Galloway and Ayrshire, isn’t just where I live. It’s where my heart is.
Like many of you, I’ve watched our communities face real challenges over the years. I’ve seen local bus services cut, leaving villages isolated. I’ve spoken to parents struggling to heat their homes whilst energy companies make record profits. I’ve watched young people leave our region because they can’t afford to stay.
But I’ve also seen something else: the strength, creativity and determination of people across the South of Scotland. From community groups setting up food hubs and warm spaces, to local businesses pioneering renewable energy projects, to volunteers keeping our village halls and sports clubs running, this region is full of people who refuse to give up on their communities.
That’s exactly the spirit we need to take to Holyrood.
Why I’m standing
In 2021, I came heartbreakingly close to being elected, just 115 votes short. Since then, I’ve been out in communities across the South, listening to your concerns and ideas. What I’ve heard has only strengthened my resolve.
We need representatives who understand that politics isn’t about grand gestures or point-scoring. It’s about making life better for ordinary people. It’s about ensuring a single mum in Strathaven doesn’t have to choose between heating and eating. It’s about making sure a teenager in Kirkcudbright can get to college without their family having to run a car they can barely afford. It’s about supporting our farmers to adapt to climate change rather than leaving them to struggle alone.
What I stand for
Tackling poverty through fair taxation. It’s simply wrong that in one of the world’s wealthiest countries, people are using food banks and sleeping rough. Whilst working families struggle, some of the richest people pay proportionally less tax than those on minimum wage. I believe we should tax unearned wealth, like property speculation and financial trading, to fund the services our communities need. This isn’t about penalising success; it’s about ensuring everyone contributes fairly to the society we all depend on.
Facing the climate and nature emergencies. The floods, droughts and storms we’ve seen in recent years aren’t one-offs. They’re our new reality unless we act quickly. But tackling climate change doesn’t have to mean making life harder for ordinary people. Done right, it means good green jobs, warmer homes with lower bills, cleaner air for our children, and thriving natural spaces that support both wildlife and rural tourism.
Transport that works for everyone. Too many of our communities have been cut off as bus services disappear and rail connections remain patchy. This isn’t just inconvenient; it’s unfair. If you can’t afford a car, or can’t drive, you shouldn’t be trapped in your village or town. I’m committed to fighting for regular, affordable bus services connecting our villages and towns, better rail links that don’t force people to travel via Glasgow, Carlisle or Edinburgh for journeys that should be direct, and safe cycling and walking routes.
Looking forward with hope
I know these challenges can feel overwhelming. But I believe we have everything we need to build a better future for the South of Scotland: abundant resources, stunning natural assets, resilient communities, and people with brilliant ideas.
What we need now is political leadership that listens, that understands the real challenges people face, and that’s willing to fight for the changes our region needs.
A personal promise
I will never forget that I’m there to serve you, not the other way around. I’ll be present across the region, respond to your emails and letters, and always be honest about what’s possible and what isn’t.
Together, we can build a South of Scotland that works for everyone: where nobody is left behind, where our natural environment thrives, and where every community has the transport links and opportunities it needs.
The future is in our hands. Let’s make it count.
