INVERCLYDE MSP Stuart McMillan praised the work of Ardgowan Hospice in a member's debate at the Scottish Parliament and called for 'greater parity' over how public funds are provided to the vital organisations. 

The senior politician highlighted the 'excellent palliative care' delivered by the charity in a discussion about demand for hospice services increasing in the future. 

Mr McMillan is currently raising money for the vital Inverclyde organisation in 12 Days of Kiltmas - a fundraiser which sees him join Ardgowan Hospice chief executive officer Graham Gardiner in wearing a kilt for 12 days in a row. 

Ahead of the debate, Mr McMillan invited Mr Gardiner to the Scottish Parliament and discussed the current 'challenging financial landscape' for Scottish hospices.  

Mr McMillan described Ardgowan Hospice as 'one of the most-loved charities in Inverclyde'. 

He added: "Almost every family in the area has a connection to the hospice either through a family member or friend.

“The fundraising team do an excellent job at organising a range of events and activities for people to get involved in and raise money, including Kiltmas which I’ve thoroughly enjoyed taking part in."

Mr McMillan said the current funding scheme for hospices across Scotland is 'not sustainable' and called for a new funding framework. 

He added: "There has to be greater parity over how public funds are provided to hospices, as some receive greater values of funding than others.

“A new funding framework would help streamline the process for how public funds are awarded.

“The UK Government have dealt Scotland a terrible hand and have shown no regard for the impact that their decisions are having upon the Scottish Government’s budget.

“I have called upon the Scottish Government to leave no stone unturned to help ensure that Ardgowan Hospice, and others across the country, are given the financial support required to continue to deliver high-quality palliative care to those at the end of life."

Ardgowan Hospice CEO Graham Gardiner added: "I would like to say 'thank-you' to Stuart for his support of the hospice - not only for joining in with the 12 Days of Kiltmas, but also for speaking on behalf of Scottish hospices in the debate. 

"It's clear that we need better resourcing to help us to continue to provide services to the people of Inverclyde."