Motion · S6M-19630 · 10 Nov 2025
Galashiels Campaigner John Davidson MBE Inspires with Film About Tourette Syndrome I Swear
The motion
That the Parliament congratulates John Davidson MBE, from Galashiels in the Scottish Borders, for his lifelong work raising awareness of Tourette syndrome and for his recent memoir and film I Swear, which chart his experiences growing up with the condition; notes that John was diagnosed with Tourette syndrome at the age of 15; recognises the challenges that he faced growing up with the condition, including coping with physical tics and coprolalia, and overcoming misunderstanding and stigma; acknowledges John’s decades of campaigning to improve understanding and support for people living with Tourette syndrome, including his work on the 1989 BBC documentary John’s Not Mad; recognises that he was awarded an MBE in 2019 for his efforts; believes that the film, I Swear, which stars Robert Aramayo and Maxine Peake, is a powerful portrayal of the challenges faced by those with Tourette syndrome, highlighting the importance of empathy, support, awareness and the contribution of all involved in bringing John’s story to a wider audience; welcomes the film’s role in challenging stereotypes, fostering understanding of neurological conditions and promoting education, support services and pathways for people diagnosed with Tourette syndrome, and commends John Davidson, his family and all involved in the production of I Swear, for the success of the film and its positive impact on communities across Scotland and beyond.
Supporters (27)
- Colin Beattie Scottish National Party 10 Nov 2025
- Miles Briggs Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party 10 Nov 2025
- Annabelle Ewing 10 Nov 2025
- Meghan Gallacher Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party 10 Nov 2025
- Pam Gosal 10 Nov 2025
- Sandesh Gulhane 10 Nov 2025
- Craig Hoy Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party 10 Nov 2025
- Douglas Ross 10 Nov 2025
- Alexander Stewart 10 Nov 2025
- Annie Wells 10 Nov 2025
- Brian Whittle 10 Nov 2025
- Tim Eagle Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party 11 Nov 2025
- Liam Kerr Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party 11 Nov 2025
- Bill Kidd 11 Nov 2025
- Edward Mountain 11 Nov 2025
- Paul Sweeney Scottish Labour 11 Nov 2025
- Tess White 11 Nov 2025
- Sharon Dowey 12 Nov 2025
- Russell Findlay Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party 12 Nov 2025
- Stephen Kerr Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party 12 Nov 2025
- Fulton MacGregor Scottish National Party 12 Nov 2025
- Karen Adam Scottish National Party 13 Nov 2025
- Clare Adamson Scottish National Party 14 Nov 2025
- Douglas Lumsden 19 Nov 2025
- Ruth Maguire 19 Nov 2025
- Alexander Burnett Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party 27 Nov 2025
- Sue Webber 22 Dec 2025
Source: the Scottish Parliament motions and amendments record.