LISTEN: North MSP aims for balance between commitments

Conservative MSP Douglas Ross says that he will "try and balance things as best he can" as he looks to juggle three roles, as a Highland MSP, on Moray Council and more controversially - as an official at top football matches.

Ross missed a meeting at the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday while acting as assistant referee during Sporting Lisbon's 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid in Lisbon.

He also failed to attend another justice committee meeting while linesman in Dynamo Kiev's 2-1 defeat to Napoli on the 13th of September.

Also that month, while on a five-day refereeing course in Switzerland, he missed a vote at Holyrood criticising local government taxation reforms.

The 33-year-old, who already splits his responsibilities as councillor in Moray, claims to earn around £40,000 a year for his as a football official.

Speaking to MFR News, Mr Ross said, "I was very open about things when I was elected, so in my register of interests there's quite a substantial figure noted, so yes it is £40,000 but that includes my flights and accommodation, but I never see that money"

"The actual income is nothing like £40,000 and I also decline my councillor salary"

"What I do hope is that from doing refereeing to a high standard in the Champions League, is that people from the Highlands and Moray will say that 'There's a guy from our area officiating guys like Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale' and hopefully if it encourages people to take up refereeing or physical activity then any criticism I've received for this will have been worth it"

Ross reiterated: "My first and foremost priority is representing the people in the Highlands & Islands and in Moray, but my role as an MSP doesn't stop in Holyrood and I don't feel as though I have to remain in Edinburgh. I can work remotely and I think a few people get fixated with being in Parliament, where in actual fact the real work is out-and-about in the Highlands and Moray"

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