MSP Edward Mountain reveals bowel cancer treatment

Conservative MSP Edward Mountain has revealed he has been receiving treatment for bowel cancer for the past year.

The Highlands and Islands representative made the announcement through a video on Twitter, wearing a stoma bag.

Mr Mountain said his condition had been detected through finding blood in his stool.

"If you catch this early, it can be treatable - as I found out," he said.

"During the last year, I've undertaken radiotherapy and chemotherapy, I've had surgery to remove the area where the bowel cancer was.

"I've still got a little bit more to do - should be clear of this by the end of May, which is really exciting."

He added: "But you can avoid all this if you follow the simple instructions and find the symptoms early - that way you can avoid the unpleasantness of radiotherapy and chemotherapy, because bowel cancer will be dealt with before it becomes a problem."

Important message

Mr Mountain's announcement drew support from across the political spectrum, including from First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

She said: "This is really important - please have a listen.

"Thanks to Ed Mountain for raising awareness - and best wishes to him for continued recovery."

Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross also thanked the MSP for his "really important and brave" message, while former party leader Ruth Davidson said: "God love you, Ed Mountain for keeping your humour - and for spreading this important message."