Personal Information

After working at Westminster and in Brussels for a number of years, I was appointed by former Deputy First Minister and Orkney MSP, Jim Wallace as a Special Adviser in 2002. This role involved advising Ministers across a range of policy areas, including enterprise, lifelong learning, agriculture, fisheries, environment and external affairs.

It is a privilege now to represent the place where I grew up. Orkney is made up of around 70 islands, 18 of which are inhabited. Described by the Lonely Planet as 'a glittering centrepiece in Scotland's treasure chest of attractions', Orkney is renowned for the quality of its food and drink, archaeological heritage and arts and crafts. It is an energy hub, with an established oil industry and world-class marine renewable test facilities, including the world's largest commercial wave farm.