MSPs hit out Ross for helming committee from Caribbean
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He said: 'I do not think it is appropriate, convener, for you to be conducting this meeting from the Caribbean. I think it does not make you look good, and it does not make this committee look good. I would like you, once again, to reconsider whether this is appropriate, and I would ask you to hand over the responsibilities to the vice convener.'
Mr Ross said he was willing to do so and to take part in the session as an ordinary committee member.
'So if Ms Dunbar is ready and prepared as deputy convener, I am happy to hand over to her, and I will ask my questions when Ms Dunbar would like to raise them—but I will be here for the duration of the session.'
Ms Dunbar then suspended the meeting to take advice from officials.
They advised that under Rule 12.1, point 12 of Holyrood's standing orders, it is the role of the convener to chair the committee if they are present—whether in person or virtually.
'So with that, I will hand back to the convener to convene the meeting virtually,' she said.
Mr Rennie then said there was another option, Mr Ross could simply leave the meeting and allow another Conservative MSP to serve as a substitute.
However, Mr Ross said that was not possible.
The row unfolded as bemused SNP ministers—including Jenny Gilruth, the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, and Graeme Dey, Minister for Higher and Further Education—looked on.
When it first emerged earlier this month that Mr Ross would not be physically present for the meeting, an SNP source told the Daily Record: 'Throughout his time at Holyrood, Douglas Ross has treated his role as an MSP as a part-time gig to fit around his other jobs—including his various jaunts across Europe as an assistant referee.'
Turks and Caicos is a British Overseas Territory famed for its pristine white‑sand beaches, turquoise waters, and world‑class diving. The archipelago, lying southeast of the Bahamas, has for years been a favourite with luxury holidaymakers seeking sun, seclusion, and coral reefs.
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