A Cumnock boy has addressed the Scottish Parliament to talk about his struggles with type-one diabetes.

Lochlan Murdoch, 14, spoke at the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday January 18 at a parliamentary reception held by his diabetes education and awareness charity Lochlan’s Legacy.

The event saw Lochlan educate MSPs, as well as senior NHS bosses, and representatives from tech companies on the daily lives of people living with type-one diabetes as he spoke about blood sugar checks and having to guess the carbs in meals.

Mum Lesley Murdoch said: “Lochlan welcomed the room and people were just blown away by how passionate he was and how determined he is to make a difference.

“For a fourteen-year-old to stand up and present to all of the people in that room and to then talk them through what its like living with type one diabetes on a daily basis is amazing – I think he was very proud of himself.

“We got people to check their own blood sugar so they could feel what it’s like to prick your finger at least four times a day.

“It was pretty much taking people on a journey of what it’s like to live with type-one diabetes on a daily basis and we hope by doing that they can then better understand the importance of the work of Lochlan’s Legacy.”

Since the address, Lochlan has been invited back to the Scottish Parliament to speak with the diabetes cross party group in March.

The event was hosted by MSP Emma Harper who also lives with type-one diabetes and was backed by MSP Elena Whitham who asked Lochlan to come to parliament.

MSP Elena Whitham said: “Lochlan is an absolute star and a credit to his powerhouse mum Lesley – and I was so proud to listen to Lochlan’s address made in the Scottish Parliament.

“It is so very important that people hear about Lochlan’s lived experience and of his tireless determination not to let his T1D condition define him or others.

“Lochlan is an inspiration and a true Ayrshire hero – and I am thrilled that he brought his message to the Scottish Parliament to shine a light on the amazing work that his charity Lochlan’s Legacy are driving forward.”

Lochlan’s Legacy was created by Lochlan and Lesley in 2020 to inspire others with the condition and raise awareness of type-one diabetes through workshops, info sessions, and get together days.