Personal Information

I am proud to represent the Central Scotland region in the Scottish Parliament, having been elected in May 2016. 

I was a local councillor in South Lanarkshire, East Kilbride West ward from 2007 until 2017 and I enjoyed every minute of it. I have been a member of the East Kilbride Task Force since its inception in 2012.

Prior to entering politics full time, I was a journalist from 1983 until 2016.  I worked for various newspapers until I moved to the Scottish Sun in 1990 and was with the paper until I was elected an MSP.

I was born in Aberdeen and have lived in East Kilbride for over 20 years with my wife and our two daughters.  Outside of politics I am an avid football fan, I enjoy cycling and hill walking – and I am also the species champion for the billberry bumblebee – a species found in the Scottish hills.  I am a keen jazz fan; the late saxophonist Art Pepper is my favourite musician.