Kenneth Gibson, MSP for Cunninghame North, submitted a parliamentary motion in support of BSA Scotland that became one of the best supported motions in the parliament, with 72 signatures from all parties.

James Stewart, current BSAS Convenor, worked until recently as parliamentary researcher to Mr Gibson and was delighted by the support expressed by his employer from the outset. "Kenneth told me that it didn't matter that I stammered", says James and this gave him confidence to face all the challenges of working in a busy constituency office and at the parliament. Nonetheless Mr Gibson acknowledged the seriousness of the issue and offered his support in raising awareness via the motion as follows:

S3M-1010 Kenneth Gibson: British Stammering Association (Scotland)

That the Parliament commends the work of the British Stammering Association (Scotland) (BSAS), which seeks to promote early intervention for pre-school children to prevent lifelong stammering; notes that BSAS delivered an intensive course during the 2007 summer holidays for children and young people aged 10 to 14 from across Scotland who stammer; notes its work with TAG Theatre Company on a drama project to promote confidence and self-esteem among young adults who stammer; further notes the support BSAS gives to self-help groups for people who stammer; recognises that children, young people and adults who stammer can experience teasing and bullying in education and discrimination in the workplace, and supports the continued good work of the association in campaigning on behalf of and supporting people of all ages who stammer.

BSA Scotland has been successful in attracting the interest and support of several MSPs who have attended our launch and Open Days or responded to correspondence.

We encourage everyone to email or write to their MSP and urge them to support BSA Scotland in its good work. Also you can let them know if you can't access speech therapy or a self-help group for stammering when you need it. Contacting them helps to raise awareness of stammering and the need for better support. And you will definitely get a reply!

Jan Anderson, May 2009