Biography

I was born in Stornoway, brought up on the south shores of Loch Torridon in Wester Ross and now live in Inverness.

I therefore have experience of living in both rural and urban areas of the Highlands and Islands - this background gives me the knowledge to understand the various challenges faced by our communities.

I have worked in both the public and private sectors in the Highlands.

I was also employed for a number of years with the public sector trade union Unison.

While I was a Member of the Scottish Parliament between 1999 and 2003, I built a reputation as a hard working MSP.

I sought to represent the whole area, spending time throughout the constituency and gaining an understanding of the particular issues affecting different areas.

My Priorities are to tackle exclusion.

People suffer exclusion for a number of reasons; due to poverty, discrimination, life chances or geography.

A key priority for me is to ensure that all people in the Highlands and Islands have the same opportunities.

I also wish to highlight the plight of young carers and ensure they have access to support services.

They must be able to enjoy their childhood and access education while being supported in their caring role.

I am committed to seeing increased Labour representation from the Highlands and Islands because I believe only the Labour Party can ensure the continued growth of the region.

In the past I have campaigned for better air services to be available throughout the Highlands and Islands.

I worked with crofters and farmers to get a better deal for those working in remote and difficult areas and set up the Cross Party Group on Crofting.

Other Campaigns:

against charges put in place on prepayment gas and electricity meters—borne by the most disadvantaged in our communities.

against the misuse of fireworks.

against drug dealers.

promoted the needs of young carers.

for civil service job dispersal such as SNH.