All put to the test

Conservative, Central Scotland

Her views on law and order place her to the right of Attila the Hun, or even Phil Gallie, so she will doubtless give enthusiastic backing to New Labour's latest adoption of that old Tory chestnut, identity cards.

Kate MacLean

Labour, Dundee West

Formidable local government past in Dundee should have marked

her out as a real talent, but instead she has succumbed, surprisingly, to relative anonymity.

Fiona McLeod

SNP, West of Scotland

Main contributions have come in debates on information technology. As a professional librarian she is worried that in the new ''wired'' Scotland a series of mutually incompatible computer networks are being developed.

Michael McMahon

Labour, Hamilton North and Bellshill

Former steelworker who did sociology degree once his industry died, has yet to leave his mark on the Parliament.

Maureen MacMillan

Labour, Highlands and Islands

Only real impact so far has come in contributions on domestic

violence from this Highlands list MSP who founded Ross-shire Women's Aid refuge.

Duncan McNeil

Labour, Greenock and Inverclyde

Solid trade union background gives him credibility and clout in whip role and in liaison between Executive and back benchers. Well respected and liked.

Pauline McNeill

Labour, Glasgow Kelvin

Superb contribution during judicial appointments debate with powerful plea for more women judges. Also acts as a kind of unofficial shop steward for her party's back benchers sorting out their problems. Definitely one

to watch.

Des McNulty

Labour, Clydebank and Milngavie

Worthy enough contributions in chamber but mishandled early role on Standards Committee when he made the

mistake of attacking the Observer over Lobbygate allegations, instead of just getting on with investigating them.

Paul Martin

Labour,

Glasgow Springburn

Son of Westminster MP for same constituency, has limited himself to local contributions. Former councillor who probably found his level there.

Tricia Marwick

SNP,

Mid-Scotland and Fife

Former Shelter publicist has taken to parliamentary life like a

natural and was given good early exposure through insistent Lobbygate questioning in Standards Committee and fine work in

Justice Committee.

Michael Matheson

SNP, Central Scotland

Sharp, confident speaker in the chamber for a

relative political novice. An occupational therapist by profession, his major area has been equal opportunities,

particularly the rights of disabled people.

Brian Monteith

Conservative, Mid-Scotland and Fife

Tory ideologue with sense of fun, deserved his tilt at Parliament

for having the guts to run the No campaign against its very existence. Good performer with sense of mischief, but seen by some as a dangerous plotter.

Alasdair Morgan

SNP, Galloway and Upper Nithsdale

Given his Westminster experience, we may have expected a bigger impact from him, but he has been a safe pair of hands who has kept up the pressure over the agricultural crisis.

Bristow Muldoon

Labour, Livingston

By far the most splendid moniker of any MSP, but not a lot

else to say about this

somewhat bland party technocrat, who was a former councillor and election agent to Robin Cook. Hasn't put a foot wrong is the best that can be said.

Mary Mulligan

Labour, Linlithgow

Former Edinburgh housing convener has been anonymous in chamber. As convener of Arts, Culture, and Sport

she presided over the monstering of Minister Rhona Brankin, which won't have endeared her to the party hierarchy.

David Mundell

Conservative,

South of Scotland

The Tory from Moscow (Ayrshire) is a former councillor. A lawyer and business high-flier with BT he should,

perhaps, be making more of a mark in the Parliament than he has.

John Farquhar Munro

Lib Dem, Ross, Skye, and Inverness West

Likeable, soft-spoken Highlander, deceptively steely when it comes to anything offensive to

his Liberal principles. Therefore paid-up member of party's awkward squad. Passionately committed to Gaelic culture.

Dr Elaine Murray

Labour, Dumfries

Nervous and excitable start in the chamber has given way to better showing, particularly with excellent speech on Armistice Day pleading for pardons for soldiers shot at dawn during the First World War

Alex Neil

SNP, Central Scotland

Relishes discomfort on New Labour benches as he makes unashamedly socialist contributions

to debate. Holding a brief on reserved matter, social security, cannot be easy, but he has done formidable work researching the failings of the New Deal.

Irene Oldfather

Lab, Cunninghame South

Rather unwisely singled out by SNP ''baby'' MSP Duncan Hamilton as one of the women whose lack of speaking expertise lets down the Parliament, this former North Ayrshire councillor has emerged as a particularly well-informed and

assiduous member of the European Committee.

Gil Paterson

SNP, Central Scotland

Gritty party stalwart

who hasn't set the heather on fire in the chamber but an early champion of committee rights, he helped give

an ear-bashing to Minister Frank McAveety over his alleged lack of openness and co-operation with local government committee.

Cathy Peattie

Labour, Falkirk East

A member of the Education, Culture, and Sport Committee as well as Rural Affairs. On the issue of a National Theatre for Scotland has said she would not favour a large amount of arts money being focused in one place. Relatively low profile so far.

Lloyd Quinan

SNP, West of Scotland

MSP with a colourful background as TV weather forecaster, he has spoken out on a variety of subjects concerning social justice. No set-piece orator so far, he has shown talent for harrying ministers and backed attempts to get law on cannabis for medical use reviewed.

Nora Radcliffe

Lib Dem, Gordon

The party's spokeswoman on Equal Opportunities, she also serves on the Transport and Environment Committee. Has spoken of the need for more women

to get involved in

politics and called for gay couples to have the same legal rights as

heterosexual ones.

Keith Raffan

Lib Dem,

Mid Scotland and Fife

A shrinking violet he is not. Waspish, sharp, and something of a maverick, this former Tory MP seems in his element in the chamber or in committee. Enjoys getting the goat of political opponents who retaliate by writing him off as a gadfly.

George Reid

SNP, Mid Scot & Fife

A Westminster MP in the 1970s, he was a member of the influential steering group which drew up the blueprint for the working of the Parliament. Still chatty over a drink with journalists, he nevertheless seems to have moved seamlessly into the grander, non-political role of Deputy Presiding Officer.

Shona Robison

SNP, NE Scotland

Having represented the party's trade union group on the NEC, she has spoken out competently on social issues, for example harrying Justice Minister Jim Wallace over need for an independent police complaints procedure.

Euan Robson

Lib Dem, Roxburgh and Berwickshire

The party's unshowy spokesman for Justice and Home Affairs has made a solid contribution on matters within his own brief and has argued strongly for measures to help the Borders economy, including the reopening of the Waverley line rail link

Mike Rumbles

Lib Dem,West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine

A Liberal desperately anxious to give all

opinions an airing, the chairmanship of the Standards Committee has proved an expectedly hot potato for this

ex-Army officer. Seen as a nice guy, he was accused of not being decisive enough at the start of the Lobbygate investigation

Mike Russell

SNP, South of Scotland

The Nationalists' flamboyant cigar-smoking former chief executive has taken on an

influential backroom role as the parliamentary group's business manager. As outspoken and provocative as

ever, he has recently been campaigning to change the Act of

Settlement to allow a Catholic monarch.

Mary Scanlon

Conservative, Highlands and Islands

A down-to-earth right winger she seems to have taken easily to parliamentary life. Takes her role on the Health and Community Care Committee very seriously and was one of those who voiced displeasure about the performance and alleged ''dismissiveness'' of Health Minister Susan Deacon during a recent session.

Tavish Scott

Lib Dem, Shetland

Speaks on Europe, the environment, and

transport in the chamber where he seems urbanely at home. Highlighted crisis in salmon farming. Struggles a bit, like all Libs, with having to support the Lib/Lab Coalition while trying to remain distinctive.

Tommy Sheridan

SSP, Glasgow

The People's Tribune's clenched fist salute at the swearing-in ceremony has gone into legend. The former firebrand from Glasgow City Council still smoulders effectively but it's tough being a one-man party if you want to make a solid impact. His bill to abolish poindings and warrant sales will help.

Richard Simpson

Labour, Ochil

Bearded psychiatrist and GP who has quickly made his mark, trusted by his party hierarchy

as minder on Standards Committees. Contributes from back benches on health matters. Revealed in register of interests that he was paid consultant for GM-food company but his work in primary care had no

connection with the

controversial product.

Elaine Smith

Labour, Coatbridge and Chryston

The MSP who won her seat on her birthday

hasn't made a huge impact yet but showed a sure touch for voters' concerns with her campaign for the public to be given more chance to air their concerns about the erection of new mobile phone masts.

Margaret Smith

Liberal Democrat, Edinburgh West

Bouncy ex-Edinburgh councillor who has secured an influential role as convener of the Parliament's Health and Community Care committee. She is seen as talkative and ambitious but may have to acquire more gravitas.

Jamie Stone

Lib Dem, Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross

The party's spokesman on education was one of the Lib Dems who supported Margo

MacDonald's initiative to get the law on the

medical use of cannabis changed. Can be witty and a bit of a maverick.

Nicola Sturgeon

SNP, Glasgow

One of the best-known faces on the SNP front bench, as education spokeswoman she has harried the Minister Sam Galbraith all the way over the teachers' pay deal and has

lambasted PFI school projects. Feisty but still a bit dour.

John Swinney

SNP, Tayside

The SNP's deputy leader and Shadow Enterprise Minister comes across as earnest and eager in the chamber but is still not a forceful orator. How-ever, recent blows to the Scottish economy, particularly over textile jobs, have given him ready ammunition against the Executive.

Elaine Thomson

Labour, Aberdeen North

One of two women MSPs on the Parliament's very influential Finance Committee, she took part in the

successful campaign to make Aberdeen the

site of the Scottish arm of the Food Standards Agency. Yet to emerge from the crowd on

the Mound

Murray Tosh

Conservative, South of Scotland

Chairman of Procedures Committee, he has established a profile as enthusiastic champion of the motorist leading the Tory charge in

Parliament against road tolling and congestion charging. Favourite phrase is ''will you give way'' when transport is being debated.

Kay Ullrich

SNP, West of Scotland

The SNP's formidable health spokeswoman

is not the most forensic of debaters but has taken on the Executive repeatedly over cost of PFI hospital projects and waiting lists. Good at demanding emergency meetings and urgent action.

Ben Wallace

Conservative, NE Scotland

Darling of the radio waves and becoming a well-known Tory name. Young and ambitious but not often heard in the chamber and Standards Committee threw out his complaint that Labour's Mike Watson had broken rules on paid advocacy over his anti-hunting Bill.

Mike Watson

Lab, Glasgow Cathcart

Has had a roller-coaster ride since agreeing to sponsor anti-hunting Bill and his private life hit the headlines. Not short on determination, he is pressing ahead with the Bill after being cleared of breaking rules on

paid advocacy by Standards Committee and winning court action by pro-hunting lobby.

Ian Welsh

Labour, Ayr

Won his seat by 25 votes after two recounts and the register of members' interests shows him as being on unpaid leave of absence as chief executive of Kilmarnock Football Club. Clearly finding the transition to

''humble'' back bencher a bit hard.

Sandra White

SNP, Glasgow

A member of the

Public Petitions Committee, she recently introduced a monthly phone-in for the elderly and infirm at her

constituency surgery in Glasgow. Has yet to make a significant impact in the chamber.

Karen Whitefield

Labour, Airdrie & Shotts

Accused (initially

rightly) of being a rotten public speaker by SNP's Duncan Hamilton, she fought back accusing him of a ''blatant sexist attack on women'' and won applause for

managing to make her contribution to debate on the millennium bug end with seconds to spare before the silent tribute on Armistice Day.

Allan Wilson

Lab, Cunninghame North

Assiduous member of Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Committee who is very New Labour and played a part in the Blairite modernisation project in Scotland.

Andrew Wilson

SNP, Central Scotland

Whizz-kid finance spokesman who can sometimes sound a

tad patronising when

trying to explain economic intricacies. He got mired in, but

survived extra parliamentary controversy when he said the

Union Jack was seen by some as a symbol of colonial oppression.

John Young

Conservative,

West of Scotland

The veteran Glasgow Tory councillor has made some pawky interventions in the Parliament and, showing his long experience of public speaking, doesn't read from notes. However, he doesn't appear to be savouring the transition from council chamber to the Mound.