One of the Scottish Parliament's newest MSPs has a property portfolio worth up to £2m, it was revealed yesterday.
Stefan Tymkewycz, an SNP list MSP for the Lothians, also makes twice as much from renting out his Edinburgh flats as he does from his MSP's salary.
Liberal Democrat MSP Jim Hume, who was also one of the new intake following the last election, has property worth up to £1.3m. However, the list MSP for the South of Scotland admits that he made a loss on renting out four of the seven properties he owns jointly with his wife.
Mr Tymkewycz, who was also elected as an Edinburgh councillor on May 3, has registered a total of 15 flats in the capital. He estimates that the properties are worth up to £2.2m and revealed that he receives up to £115,000 a year in rent.
The MSP said yesterday that he had been building up his portfolio since 1994 and had sold one of his properties recently.
He also denied that it represented a conflict of interest with his work as an elected politician.
Mr Tymkewycz said: "I've built this up over a number of years through a lot of hard work and in a climate where the property market was much different from what it is today. I put myself forward for election because I've always been involved in community issues for many years. I also believe that I can make a difference, irrespective of any financial reward that one may gain."
The publication of the register of interests also revealed that a number of MSPs, including the First Minister Alex Salmond, have received special badges which entitle them to free entry to any race meeting in Scotland during 2007.
The badges were a gift from Scottish Racing and are worth up to £1000.
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