Congratulating Harvey Johnston

That the Parliament congratulates outgoing Orkney Islands Council Convener, Harvey Johnston, on his retirement from the Council in 2022; notes that Harvey has been a Councillor for the West Mainland ward since 2012 and was appointed the Civic Head of Orkney Islands Council following his re-election in 2017; understands that Harvey was born and brought up on a farm in Harray and, after studying agriculture in Aberdeen, spent some time in the construction industry and in the Civil Service before embarking on a career in education at Orkney College, firstly lecturing in agriculture and subsequently retiring as Depute Principal over 30 years later; further understands that Harvey is a staunch advocate of all things Orcadian with a particular interest in the history, language and culture of the islands; understands that Harvey has become well-known for addressing significant moments in his term as Convener through poignant poetry written in Orcadian dialect, including in memory of Manchester bomb victims, The Year the World Slowed Doon marking the anniversary of the first lockdown, St Magnus Mourn commemorating the life of HRH Prince Philip and, most recently, The Chain and the Chair at the final general meeting of outgoing Orkney Islands Council; further understands that Harvey has been a highly respected Councillor amongst his colleagues and local community and has taken pride in representing Orkney, particularly in his role as Convener; wishes Harvey all the very best on his retirement, which it understands will give him more time to spend with his wife, Helen, and their extended family, including 12 grandchildren, and thanks Harvey for his public service to Orkney.