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Elizabeth Quigley has been a familiar face at BBC Scotland since 1999, dedicating over two decades to journalism while managing the challenges of living with multiple sclerosis (MS). Recently, however, she has stepped away from broadcasting due to a painful condition associated with MS known as trigeminal neuralgia. This illness causes intense electric shock-like pain on one side of her face, severely affecting her ability to speak, eat, and drink—critical skills for a broadcaster. With the support of her neurologist and NHS care team, Elizabeth has regained some control over her symptoms, but bouts of pain continue to resurface, leading her to make the difficult choice to leave the BBC on health grounds.
Elizabeth’s career began well before her time at the BBC, having worked for publications such as The Scotsman, Scotland on Sunday, and the Scottish Daily Mail. At 28, she became the BBC’s first female political correspondent for the newly formed Scottish Parliament. Shortly after assuming this role, she was diagnosed with MS following symptoms initially mistaken for dental issues. The diagnosis came as a shock, and initially, no treatment was offered beyond advice to stay healthy and avoid stress—advice that proved difficult to follow, especially in the demanding environment of live news reporting. For several years, Elizabeth managed to keep her condition private and continued her work without obvious symptoms.
By 2007, as her symptoms became harder to conceal, Elizabeth publicly disclosed her MS diagnosis. Around that time, she had transitioned away from political journalism and met John Swinney, now First Minister of Scotland, whom she married in 2003. The following year, she used her platform to raise awareness about MS through documentaries and reports highlighting Scotland’s notably high rates of the disease. Despite ongoing research efforts, she acknowledged in her reporting that neither a cure nor a clear explanation for the prevalence had yet been found.
Elizabeth’s experience with MS evolved further with the birth of her son Matthew in 2010. During her pregnancy, her symptoms improved significantly, a phenomenon she later explored in a radio documentary focusing on the role of hormones in autoimmune diseases like MS. Although this relief lasted for several months postpartum, her symptoms eventually returned. Over time, her diagnosis progressed from relapsing remitting MS to secondary progressive MS, leading to increased mobility challenges. She now relies on mobility aids such as crutches, a rollator, and occasionally a wheelchair. Yet, she has embraced her visibility as someone living with a disability, having openly appeared with a crutch at public events. Throughout her career, Elizabeth has demonstrated resilience and adaptability, often working from home and finding new ways to continue her journalism.
Reflecting on her journey, Elizabeth emphasizes that life with MS can still be fulfilling, although it requires adjustments. She expresses gratitude toward colleagues and the support she has received over the years but acknowledges that it is time to move on from her role at the BBC
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