Press Release: Historic - Scottish Parliament gets first Black MSP

Bashir Ahmad becomes MSP for a Glasgow seat. Previously he was elected to represent the Pollokshields East ward on Glasgow City Council in the 2003 elections and he has been a member of the SNP's national executive committee since 1998.

OBV Deputy Director, Ashok Viswanathan stated: This is an historic and exciting day for Scottish politics. Multiculturalism has been celebrated by the election of Bashir Ahmad MSP as the first Black Scottish member of Parliament. Equally important was the Scottish electorates wholesale rejection of the racist BNP.

Aamer Anwar, Scottish civil liberties lawyer said: 'At a time when our communities are fighting a climate of fear and an escalation of racism it was vital that we used our vote to make sure our voices were heard. The politicians were held to account last night, and most critically the BNP was defeated.'

Bashir Ahmad MSP said: 'The lack of any Asian or ethnic minority voice in the Scottish Parliament has been felt deeply.. But they have righted that wrong and proved that the SNP aspires to lead a Scottish Parliament that will represent all of Scotland - a truly national parliament. I firmly believe the SNP can now earn the trust of the Asian community throughout Scotland and that this will be a bond that endures for generations."

OBV will soon be launching a Scottish Parliamentary Shadowing Scheme giving individuals a unique opportunity to shadow Members of Parliament.

Notes to editor There are no BME Scottish Parliamentary members.