Kay Ullrich facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kay Ullrich
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| Member of the Scottish Parliament for West of Scotland (1 of 7 Regional MSPs) |
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| In office 6 May 1999 – 31 March 2003 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born |
Catherine Mario Morrison
5 May 1943 Prestwick, Scotland |
| Died | 4 January 2021 (aged 77) Irvine, Scotland |
| Political party | Scottish National Party |
| Spouse |
Grady Ullrich
(m. 1976) |
| Alma mater | Queen's College |
| Occupation | Politician, social worker |
Kay Ullrich was an important Scottish politician. She was born Catherine Mario Morrison on May 5, 1943, and passed away on January 4, 2021.
She was a Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) for the West of Scotland area from 1999 to 2003. Kay Ullrich was a strong member of the Scottish National Party (SNP). She was also an early supporter of Nicola Sturgeon, who later became First Minister of Scotland.
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Early Life and Career
Kay Ullrich, born Catherine Mario Morrison, came into the world on May 5, 1943, in Prestwick, Scotland. She was the only child of Jack Dallas Morrison and Charlotte Morrison.
She went to Ayr Academy for her schooling. Later, she studied at Queen's College in Glasgow to become a social worker.
In 1965, Kay Ullrich joined the Scottish National Party (SNP). She felt strongly about Scottish independence and worked for it throughout her life. Before becoming a politician, she was a school swimming instructor from 1973 to 1982. After that, she worked as a social worker in schools, hospitals, and courts until 1997.
Political Journey
Kay Ullrich tried to become a Member of Parliament several times. She ran as an SNP candidate in different elections but was not successful.
In the 1999 Scottish Parliament election, she ran for the Cunninghame North area. She came in second place. However, because she was high on the SNP's list for the West of Scotland region, she became a regional MSP. This meant she represented the West of Scotland in the Scottish Parliament.
During her time in Parliament, Kay Ullrich helped with important work. She was a leader on the Equal Opportunities Committee. She also led the committee for the Commissioner for Children and Young People (Scotland) Bill. This bill was about helping children and young people.
She also served on committees for health and community care. In 1999, she was named the SNP's spokesperson for health. Later, in 2000, she became the Chief Whip for the SNP. This role involves making sure party members vote together. She held this job until she left Parliament in 2003.
After leaving Parliament, she continued to help children. She worked as a safeguarder with the Children's Panel.
Supporting Nicola Sturgeon
Kay Ullrich played a big part in the career of Nicola Sturgeon. In 1987, when Nicola Sturgeon was just 16, she asked Kay Ullrich to help with her election campaign.
Kay Ullrich strongly supported Sturgeon. She even predicted that Sturgeon would one day be the first female leader of the SNP. When Nicola Sturgeon became Scotland's first female First Minister, Kay Ullrich was there as a special guest.
Special Recognition
After she passed away, Kay Ullrich received a special award. In November 2021, she was given the SNP President's Prize. Her husband and granddaughter accepted the award for her.
This award recognized her amazing dedication to the SNP and to Scottish Independence. Nicola Sturgeon herself said that she would not be First Minister without Kay Ullrich's help and guidance.
Personal Life
Kay Ullrich was married and had two children, a son and a daughter. Her daughter, Shelley Jofre, is a journalist.
Kay Ullrich passed away on January 4, 2021, at the age of 77.
