Biography
I was first elected to the Scottish Parliament in May 1999 as Constituency MSP for Dumfries Constituency, which includes most of the county of Dumfriesshire other than Upper Nithsdale. My constituency includes the town of Dumfries, Annan, Gretna, Langholm, Lockerbie, and Moffat.
I was born in December 1954 in Hertfordshire - that was where my Scottish parents happened to live at the time! I was brought up in Edinburgh and have an Honours Degree in Chemistry from Edinburgh University and a PhD in Physical Chemistry from Cambridge University. I have worked in scientific research, adult education and politics. Before becoming an MSP I was a councillor on Strathclyde Regional Council and South Ayrshire Council, where I was Convenor of Educational Services. I joined the Labour Party in 1983 and am a member of the Transport and General Workers Union. I am currently Vice Convenor of the Scottish Parliament's Finance Committee.
I am married with three children, all of whom attended Dumfries Academy and are now studying at university. My husband, Jeff, worked as a research scientist for many years but now works with me part-time as my researcher, and was elected as Councillor for Lochar Ward in Dumfries on 3rd May 2007. We live in Dumfries.
Outside my work as an MSP, I enjoy reading, music, gardening, cooking, being a horse owner (and sometimes rider) and keeping fit. Most of all, I enjoy the company of my family, friends and pets.
I was born in December 1954 in Hertfordshire - that was where my Scottish parents happened to live at the time! I was brought up in Edinburgh and have an Honours Degree in Chemistry from Edinburgh University and a PhD in Physical Chemistry from Cambridge University. I have worked in scientific research, adult education and politics. Before becoming an MSP I was a councillor on Strathclyde Regional Council and South Ayrshire Council, where I was Convenor of Educational Services. I joined the Labour Party in 1983 and am a member of the Transport and General Workers Union. I am currently Vice Convenor of the Scottish Parliament's Finance Committee.
I am married with three children, all of whom attended Dumfries Academy and are now studying at university. My husband, Jeff, worked as a research scientist for many years but now works with me part-time as my researcher, and was elected as Councillor for Lochar Ward in Dumfries on 3rd May 2007. We live in Dumfries.
Outside my work as an MSP, I enjoy reading, music, gardening, cooking, being a horse owner (and sometimes rider) and keeping fit. Most of all, I enjoy the company of my family, friends and pets.