Bienvenue Monsieur Allard French-born MSP sworn in at Holyrood

Scotland’s first French-born MSP has been sworn in at Holyrood.

Christian Allard, originally from Dijon, replaces SNP backbencher Mark McDonald, who resigned from his North East regional seat to contest the Aberdeen Donside constituency by-election in June.

In a distinct French accent, the 49-year-old made a non-religious affirmation and repeated it in his first language in front of MSPs in the debating chamber.

“I came to Scotland many years ago with few academic qualifications,” he said earlier in a statement released by the SNP. I never went to university but am proud to have worked hard all of my life.

“I’ve raised three daughters here and I’m proud to call Scotland my home. It’s a wonderfully welcoming country with such huge potential.

“There are huge opportunities for the north-east but we must ensure that we have the skills to harness them, particularly among our young people.”

Mr Allard moved to Scotland more than 25 years ago to open an office with a European seafood transport firm in Glasgow.

He said it is an honour to join Parliament and praised former MSP Brian Adam whose death last month prompted the by-election in Aberdeen.