Highland MSP Douglas Ross donates wage to Keiran's Legacy
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Moray's Conservative MP Douglas Ross has handed over his monthly MSP wage packet to local charity Keiran's Legacy.
Mr Ross, who is a list MSP for the Highlands and Islands as well as Moray's MP, pledged to only accept one salary if elected to Holyrood in the Scottish Parliamentary Election.
Instead, he will donate his monthly wage from the Scottish Parliament to local charities.
Keiran's Legacy was the first to benefit from the cash, with Mr Ross handing over a cheque for £821.45 to the charity today.
Mr Ross' MSP salary is a third of the full salary (£21,490 instead of £64,470) due to him also being Moray's MP.
Speaking after handing over the cash, Mr Ross said: “Keiran's Legacy is a charity established in the memory of a young man who was taken far too soon in tragic circumstances.
"However, the brave efforts of his mum and dad, and everyone involved in the charity, have ensured that his legacy is now saving lives.
"I’m really pleased to be able to support their efforts by donating my first month’s salary since being elected to the Scottish Parliament.
“Sandra and Gordon have worked tirelessly to raise funds for the charity in recent years, but with the pandemic it has understandably been more difficult.
"Given the vital lifesaving equipment the charity provides, I know this donation will help them make a difference and save lives.
“I look forward to making further donations in Moray in the months ahead.”
Keiran’s mum Sandra Mckandie, of Keiran’s Legacy, said: "We are really grateful to Douglas for thinking of Keiran's Legacy to benefit from his first month’s salary.
“Raising money throughout this past year has been difficult with the Covid-19 restrictions and is likely to be challenging for some time yet, so we are really delighted to receive Douglas’s support.
“The money will help us purchase more defibrillators, deliver CPR training, and improve the mental health of others through providing recreational activities for ages.
"All of these aims will continue to save lives in Keiran's name and continue his passion for life.”
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