As the Election Campaign to elect the MSPs who serve in the 7th Session of The Scottish Parliament gets under way, it is an opportunity to reflect on some of the highlights of the Session just past, especially its final weeks that remain fresh in the memory.

The afternoon of Tuesday 3rd February 2026 saw the Scottish Parliament at its very best – and worst.

Proceedings began with a motion of condolence to the late Lord (Jim) Wallace of Tankerness, a key architect of devolution who served as Deputy First Minister between 1999 and 2005.

A universally respected figure, tributes were made from leading politicians across the Chamber, including the Presiding Officer who fought back tears. Time and again these highly emotive tributes referenced not only Lord Wallace’s very considerable achievements, but more so his character, integrity and faith.

In more recent years, Wallace served as Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, a role in which he was especially vocal in his opposition to Assisted Suicide.

In the aggressively secular environs of the Holyrood Chamber, it was heartening to hear so many MSPs make mention of Wallace’s very public faith. One MSP even cited Scripture noting the call of Micah 6:8 “to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God”. Another spoke of his “deep faith”.

As another election draws near, Christians ought to pray that, regardless of political affiliation, men and women recognised – like Jim Wallace – for their integrity, character and decency, will be elected to the Holyrood Chamber.

As the afternoon progressed, the Chamber moved to the long anticipated debate and vote on the Prostitution (Offences & Support) Bill. CARE has long since fought for the adoption of the ‘Nordic Model’ in Scotland, a key plank of which is the criminalisation of men who purchase women for sex. The debate that followed produced some of the best speeches ever heard at Holyrood, making the case for protecting vulnerable women from harm and exploitation. From a biblical perspective, it was heartening to hear so many MSPs using their privileged position to speak out for the oppressed (Proverbs 31:8-9).

As Decision Time eventually came around, the vote was lost, with 54 in favour and 64 against. As long-time campaigners for the Bill, CARE for Scotland shared the sadness of many that it did not progress at this time. We are however so thankful that so many MSPs voted for the ‘Nordic Model’ and we will not give up campaigning on this most important of subjects once the new Parliament is under way.