Gillian Mackay – New MSP Lived Experience Podcast
- Area of Work: The ALLIANCE
- Type: News Item
- Published: 21st July 2021

"If I can't get a Wookie into the Garden Lobby, the Presiding Officer and I will be having words."
Following this year’s Scottish Parliament Election, the ALLIANCE thought it would be fun and informative for us to talk to some of the newly elected MSPs about their own experiences with health and social care. For the first entry in this podcast series, Policy and Information Assistant at the ALLIANCE, Allan Faulds interviewed Gillian Mackay MSP.
Gillian Mackay was recently elected as the first ever Green MSP for the Central Scotland region, and is her party’s Spokesperson for Health and Social Care. In the interview, Gillian talks about her grandpa’s experiences with social care and her own route into politics by way of Ménière’s disease and an Inclusion Scotland internship. Listeners will also hear about Gillian’s hopes for a national care service – and for getting a Wookie into parliament!
You can listen to the whole podcast at Anchor FM (this link will take you away from our website). In addition, a written transcript of the interview is available below.
End of page.
You may also like:
Take part in participant-led rail journey research
Continue readingThe committee wants greater involvement from lived experience to strengthen their work.
Continue readingLived experience and peer support driving mental health transformation in Scotland.
Continue readingThe new platform ‘MyCare.scot’ is being led by the Scottish Government and Public Services Delivery Scotland.
Continue readingRead more about financial support available for unpaid carers in Scotland.
Continue readingAs part of our 20 year anniversary, we celebrate the Scottish Sensory Hub, the important work they do, and why it matters.
Continue readingLucy Mulvagh, Director of Policy, Research and Impact, at the ALLIANCE is moving on after 10 years supporting the organisation.
Continue readingParties set out positions on human rights, social care and more at our hustings ahead of the 2026 Scottish Parliament Election.
Continue readingThe Digital Citizen Panel's monthly Conversation Cafe - Bring a Buddy has launched an 'On the Road' offer and is looking for hosts
Continue readingThese stories illustrate how system-minded, compassionate leadership is influencing transformation across health and social care in Scotland
Continue readingAfter the Scottish Government scrapped the initial review, the most recent proposal suggests a smaller number of broader outcomes.
Continue readingCare Roadshow Scotland to showcase leading innovation in care and latest sector updates at upcoming show.
Continue readingThis short report provides an overview of the role of housing in health and social care integration.
Continue readingWorking together to support families through a new whole household approach
Continue readingA coalition of organisations urges immediate support as rising costs threaten people most at risk across Scotland.
Continue readingYoung people’s feedback will help NHS 24 better understand needs and improve support services.
Continue readingALLIANCE input and lived experience evidence help shape stronger, person-centred and trauma-informed maternity care
Continue reading#TryAToolTuesday raises awareness of free and trusted apps and resources that help people improve and manage their health and wellbeing.
Continue readingEuropean Patients Forum announces 2026 training for young patient advocates to build skills and shape healthcare.
Continue readingTake part in this survey if you have a long term condition, are Deaf, Deafblind or have a Visual Impairment
Continue readingLearn more about the Parkrun BSL glossary and YouTube video series
Continue readingFind Lipreading classes local to you
Continue readingPaid internship opportunity for school leavers with Visual Impairment
Continue readingAn examination of the role of social workers in alleviating stigma experienced by members of the Deaf community in Ireland and the UK
Continue readingThis study is for young people aged 12–16 years living in Scotland, who are Blind or have Severe Sight Impairment
Continue reading