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North MSP speaks about adapting to life at home and trying to live normally; 'I still go to the 'office', at the same time and dressed for work'


By Scott Maclennan

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MSP Edward Mountain now working from home.
MSP Edward Mountain now working from home.

One of the north’s leading MSPs has revealed how his efforts to adapt to the Scotland-wide lockdown has seen him throw some routines out of the window while others remain firmly in place.

Conservative Edward Mountain welcomed how NHS Highland agreed to a care and compensation plan for bullied employees based on the Sturrock Review – he had been the first MSP to call for a probe back in 2018.

Now, despite being contacted by hundreds of people, he recently vowed to personally talk with each and every constituent to do what he can to assist them as he conducts what he calls “politics from home.”

That domestic version of public discourse has led him to discover not just new ways of working but also to rediscover old contacts and connect with friends and staff that it is now not possible to see in person.

Mr Mountain said: “With politics moving out of Holyrood, politicians like all those working at home are having to come to grips with new ways of working. Whilst everyone is different I find routines helpful. On a daily basis I still go to the 'office', at the same time and dressed for work.

“Focusing on the day ahead; reading the papers, responding to emails, the group conference call followed by constituency calls and then processing the follow-up letters brings a normality. Whilst the sequence is repetitive it is also reassuring.

“In these dark days, it is the constants that are reassuring. But at the end of the day when we put our work tools down, and sign off, we all need more than repetition. We need to feel that our day has been worthwhile.

“In the past this might have been achieved by talking to work colleagues or socialising after work. Under the current restrictions neither of these options remain possible.

“What is however is the ability to spread the normality you have experienced, which is reassuring in its own way. So do contact your work colleagues and friends and update them on what you have been doing and encourage them to do the same.

“And when you have done that, sit down with your phone and flick through your contacts. Find someone you haven’t spoken to for a while and give them a ring. Check how they are, and above all, listen to them.

“Their response will quickly tell you how much they genuinely appreciate your call. We all like to hear from someone we haven’t heard from in a while, even if it is a politician.”

How are YOU adapting to life working from home? Email your pictures and experiences to hector.mackenzie@hnmedia.co.uk


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