Photo © Scottish Parliament
Member of the Scottish Parliament
Paul McLennan
Scottish National Party MSP for East Lothian Coast and Lammermuirs
At a glance Paul McLennan is a Scottish National Party Member of the Scottish Parliament for East Lothian Coast and Lammermuirs.
Attendance is votes cast as a share of the 2,903 Holyrood divisions on record; Paul McLennan did not vote in 29. A rebellion is a vote against the way most of their own party voted; free votes, where no party line applies, are left out. At Holyrood an abstention is a deliberate recorded vote, distinct from not voting at all.
Party-loyalty figures are our own analysis of the official voting records (recorded votes only; they do not describe the formal whip). How we work this out.
Committees
Voting record
The most recent divisions Paul McLennan voted in. For, Against and Abstain are as recorded.
| 25 Jun 2026 | Achieving a Sustainable Prison Population | Against |
| 25 Jun 2026 | Achieving a Sustainable Prison Population | Against |
| 25 Jun 2026 | Achieving a Sustainable Prison Population | Against |
| 25 Jun 2026 | Achieving a Sustainable Prison Population | Against |
| 25 Jun 2026 | Achieving a Sustainable Prison Population | For |
| 24 Jun 2026 | Scotland Needs Reform: Five Years to 2031 | For |
| 24 Jun 2026 | National Security (State Threats) Bill – UK Legislation | For |
| 24 Jun 2026 | Scotland Needs Reform: Five Years to 2031 | For |
| 23 Jun 2026 | Meeting the Challenge of Climate Change | Against |
| 23 Jun 2026 | Meeting the Challenge of Climate Change | For |
| 23 Jun 2026 | Meeting the Challenge of Climate Change | Against |
| 23 Jun 2026 | Steel Industry (Nationalisation) Bill - UK Legislation | For |
| 23 Jun 2026 | Meeting the Challenge of Climate Change | Against |
| 23 Jun 2026 | Meeting the Challenge of Climate Change | For |
| 17 Jun 2026 | Suspension of Standing Orders | For |
Register of interests
From the Scottish Parliament's Register of Interests. Shown as registered; nothing is added or interpreted.
Controlled transactions1
- No registrable interests. (lodged 3 Jun 2026)
Gifts1
- No registrable interests. (lodged 3 Jun 2026)
Heritable property1
- I own a house in Dunbar, East Lothian, with a market value of between £200,001-£250,000. I rent this house to my parents-in-law and receive a gross rental income of up to £5,000 per annum. (lodged 3 Jun 2026)
Interest in shares1
- No registrable interests. (lodged 3 Jun 2026)
Overseas visits1
- No registrable interests. (lodged 3 Jun 2026)
Remuneration and related undertaking1
- No registrable interests. (lodged 3 Jun 2026)
Voluntary1
- No registrable interests. (lodged 3 Jun 2026)
Questions
Paul McLennan has tabled 158 questions in the Scottish Parliament.
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of decisions by the Information Commissioner’s Office to require the Ani…
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of decisions by the Information Commissioner’s Office to require the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) to disclose farmed fish welfare inspection reports, whether it supports a presumption in favour of publishing farmed animal welfare inspection reports across all species, including terrestrial farmed animals, and what discussions it has had with APHA regarding the routine publication of such reports.
Awaiting an answer.
To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to expand routine water quality monitoring beyond designated ba…
To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to expand routine water quality monitoring beyond designated bathing waters to ensure that recreational waters used for surfing, paddleboarding and kayaking receive equivalent public health protections, and whether it will consider extending monitoring to emerging pollutants, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), microplastics and antimicrobial-resistant bacteria.
Awaiting an answer.
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the reported increase in year-round participation in outdoor water activiti…
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the reported increase in year-round participation in outdoor water activities, including swimming, surfing, paddling and kayaking, and the bathing water monitoring season running from 1 June to 15 September, what (a) its position is on extending the season and (b) analysis it has carried out of what public health benefits might arise from providing official water quality monitoring and information outside the current monitoring period.
Awaiting an answer.
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of reports that Scottish Water's real-time monitoring covers no more than arou…
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of reports that Scottish Water's real-time monitoring covers no more than around 30% of overflows, what plans it has to require Scottish Water to deliver 100% real-time event duration monitoring coverage across all combined sewer overflows; what timescale has been set for achieving this, and how it ensures that the public has access to comprehensive information on sewage pollution risks before entering waters.
Awaiting an answer.
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the implementation of provisions contained within t…
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the implementation of provisions contained within the Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Act 2022 and whether the Minister for Victims and Community Safety would consider a ban on the public sale of fireworks as part of her next steps.
Awaiting an answer.
To ask the Scottish Government what its level of ambition is for new onshore wind deployment after 2030.
To ask the Scottish Government what its level of ambition is for new onshore wind deployment after 2030.
Awaiting an answer.
To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the findings of the Aurora Energy Research report, T…
To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the findings of the Aurora Energy Research report, The Future of Scottish Wind Development, which was commissioned by the Scottish Onshore Wind Developers Forum and published on 9 June 2026, which indicates that total electricity system costs would be approximately £5 billion per annum lower with a higher penetration of Scottish onshore wind post-2030 in comparison to a system that follows the current Clean Power Action Plan pathway.
Awaiting an answer.
To ask the Scottish Government when it plans to respond to the recommendation in the Scottish Animal Welfare Commission…
To ask the Scottish Government when it plans to respond to the recommendation in the Scottish Animal Welfare Commission's Exotic Pet Working Group: final report, published on 11 November 2022, to introduce a permitted list of species that can legally be kept as pets in order to address animal welfare issues associated with the trade and keeping of exotic pets.
Awaiting an answer.
Motions lodged
| 13 Jul 2026 | Scottish Young Carers Festival 2026 | 3 sig. |
| 10 Jul 2026 | Preston Tower Project Wins National Architecture Award | 2 sig. |
| 24 Jun 2026 | National Award Success for Fraser Short | 6 sig. |
| 24 Jun 2026 | Chez Roux Wins Romantic Dining of the Year Award | 8 sig. |
| 24 Jun 2026 | Ocean Vertical Achieves B Corp Certification | 4 sig. |
| 24 Jun 2026 | The Brig & Barrel Wins Pub of The Year | 7 sig. |
Speeches
Recent things Paul McLennan has said in the chamber and in committee, from the Official Report.
25 Jun 2026 General Question Time (draft)
The development is of strategic importance to East Lothian and would bring much-needed housing and jobs to the area. What reassurances can investors be given that the Scottish Government will work with them to deliver the project?
25 Jun 2026 General Question Time (draft)
To ask the Scottish Government what measures it is taking forward in partnership with East Lothian Council, Taylor Wimpey and Hargreaves, to deliver and expand the housing development at Blindwells, which has been classified as a strategic…
23 Jun 2026 Climate Change (draft)
I would not use that terminology. I have engaged with the Scottish Seabird Centre, RSPB Scotland and local communities on that. That discussion is ongoing.According to the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit’s report, “The Scottish Net Ze…
23 Jun 2026 Climate Change (draft)
We are at a moment that will define the future that we leave to our children and grandchildren. The science is clear, the evidence is all around us and the window for action is narrowing. Today, red weather warnings for extreme heat have b…
17 Jun 2026 Law Officers (draft)
On a point of order, Presiding Officer. I was unable to connect; I would have voted yes.
17 Jun 2026 Law Officers (draft)
On a point of order, Presiding Officer. I was unable to connect; I would have voted yes.
4 Jun 2026 Wealth Taxation for Public Services (draft)
Earlier, we heard Shirley-Anne Somerville make the point that welfare cuts would come from the Tories. However, their approach is not one that I would support.I go back to my key point. Making tax cuts now would also cut our block grant no…
4 Jun 2026 Wealth Taxation for Public Services (draft)
I go back to my point that the broader debate is about ensuring that those who are successful pay their fair share towards the foundations that make that success possible. There is a balance to be struck here, which involves looking at fai…
4 Jun 2026 Wealth Taxation for Public Services (draft)
I will touch on that. I mentioned the need for investment in the green jobs and infrastructure that grow our economy. Just last week, the Confederation of British Industry published a report that highlighted the green jobs opportunities th…
4 Jun 2026 Wealth Taxation for Public Services (draft)
Yes.
4 Jun 2026 Wealth Taxation for Public Services (draft)
In Scotland, our values are clear: they are about fairness, solidarity and opportunity for all. As an SNP MSP, I champion taking a progressive approach to funding the high-quality public services that define our nation.Why do we need to do…
4 Jun 2026 General Question Time (draft)
As the efficient and fair function of Scotland’s justice system is a priority for all in this chamber, does the cabinet secretary agree with me on the importance of the Scottish Sentencing Council and the courts working independently to en…
3 Jun 2026 National Health Service (draft)
Scotland’s NHS is one of our greatest achievements. In East Lothian, the service looks after our families every single day. Whether through the outstanding care at the East Lothian community hospital in Haddington; our local GP practices i…
2 Jun 2026 General Question Time (draft)
Does the minister share my view that the Government has a responsibility to ease the burden on households during a cost of living crisis, including through targeted interventions when a broken Brexit economy places essential goods out of t…
14 May 2026 Oaths and Affirmations (draft)
I, Paul Stewart McLennan, do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law. So help me God.
25 Mar 2026 First Minister’s Question Time (draft)
New data shows that banks have withdrawn mortgage offers across the board, leaving first-time buyers in the lurch as rates spiral out of control. While the Westminster Labour Government sits on its hands as mortgage rates spiral in broken …
25 Mar 2026 First Minister’s Question Time
New data shows that banks have withdrawn mortgage offers across the board, leaving first-time buyers in the lurch as rates spiral out of control. While the Westminster Labour Government sits on its hands as mortgage rates spiral in broken …
24 Mar 2026 Restraint and Seclusion in Schools (Scotland) Bill: Stage 3 (draft)
I thank Daniel Johnson for his work to introduce the bill. As the MSP for East Lothian, I am proud to support the bill on behalf of the children and young people of the county.As Daniel Johnson said, the passing of the Restraint and Seclus…
24 Mar 2026 Climate Change Plan (draft)
Over the past few years, I have met and engaged with the East Lothian Climate Hub and seen its work across East Lothian. It has engaged with communities to embed the work that is needed to tackle the climate emergency. What commitment can …
12 Mar 2026 Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan
Westminster’s cost of living crisis is hitting the most vulnerable the hardest. On top of ever-increasing energy costs, households across East Lothian continue to suffer from cruel policies such as the benefit cap and the bedroom tax. Will…
Seat & career
- East Lothian Coast and Lammermuirs Constituency MSP 7 May 2026 – present
- East Lothian Constituency MSP · Dissolution 6 May 2021 – 8 Apr 2026
Allowances
2025 (latest published)
Source: Scottish Parliament (published ~1 year in arrears)
Contact & offices
Parliamentary
The Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh, EH99 1SP
Constituency
5a Mitchell's Close, Haddington, EH41 3NB
Source: this MSP's official Scottish Parliament profile. Last updated 26 Jul 2026.