In this regular Sunday feature, we ask Scots about 10 things that changed their life. This week, Scotland's Finance Secretary, Derek Mackay

1. ‘No’ campaign

The National:

WHAT inspired me to get involved in politics was the No campaign against a toxic incinerator in Renfrew, my home town. I was only 12 and it taught me that people care about their communities – people can unite around a cause when they really believe in it.

I was totally inspired by the campaign, which was successful, and it united people from across the area – not just in Renfrew but beyond. It showed me politics was not crusty, not boring, that it would determine the very air I breathe, quite literally. I got the buzz and I was hooked on politics. Who would have thought it would be the ‘No’ campaign that brought me into politics?

2. Joining the SNP

The National:

THE key personal moment for me being empowered and saved was joining the SNP at 16 – I would have done it earlier if I could. I asked my local organiser how I could get involved and he gave me a pile of leaflets to deliver.

I went back the next day for more, and the next day. I remember going to my first branch meeting nervous in case I had to speak. I left as membership secretary, as was the way with the SNP in those days – there were more roles than people.

I say it saved me, because I don’t know where my life otherwise would have ended up. I was from a strong family, but one that was slightly chaotic, with a father who was an alcoholic and didn’t treat us particularly well. The SNP gave me a purpose and a foundation that has now put me in one of the most privileged positions in the country. It’s an honour.

3. Becoming homeless

The National: Derek Mackay with his mumDerek Mackay with his mum

MY mum decided she had to get me and my brother out of the family home, so we were homeless. I remember going to the office in Paisley to get a roof over our heads and how upset and traumatised we all were.

It had involved a hard, traumatic situation including violence. Watching your mother cry is a hard thing to do as a child. I had seen that before, but I’ll never forget the man with the clipboard, how he made her cry. She was there with two children and it’s inspired me to make sure systems work for people.

We went into a hotel-hostel, then temporary accommodation, then a council house. It was a very formative experience for me, aged about 13. I’ve been to the absolute depths, so I’ll never forget that experience and wanting to support my mother and brother.

My mum’s very kind, she described me as her rock even as a child, but I learned a lot about resilience and determination to get through the worst.

I remember being asked by someone how I would like it if there was a homeless persons unit put in my tenement. I made the point I was a beneficiary of homeless services. If there is anything, it opens your eyes to the plight of the most vulnerable.

4. My first election win

The National: A slightly younger Derek MackayA slightly younger Derek Mackay

I WAS 20 years old. I had joined the community council at 16, building my roots and knowledge – I didn’t come into politics with the answers, but I listened and learned. I thought I might be too young to be a councillor but I was really keen, and others said it would be a waste of talent if I didn’t stand.

I was very young looking, as my pictures will testify. I wasn’t well-off and I was wearing ill-fitting suits, some of them hand-me-downs. I may not have looked the part and people totally underestimated me. When I won it was a surprise to everyone.

My mother had to leave the town hall because she was crying, but she didn’t tell me that until the other day, 20 years later.

We celebrated, but the next day came a big challenge. The council chief executive phoned me to say there was a plane coming to Glasgow Airport with refugees from Kosovo and they were coming to my ward, would I like to front the press conference? It was day one of the job. The appreciation from the refugees, and the respect, was so powerful. All of those people had come through war and escaped persecution. I’ll never forget the woman who was pregnant and she went to stand up to show me respect, and I asked her to sit down. I felt so unworthy.

5. Saving Renfrew Town Hall

The National: Renfrew Town HallRenfrew Town Hall

THAT beautiful, majestic town hall was heading for being condemned. Officials said we couldn’t get the money to save it, but I didn’t take no for an answer, I put together a package of Common Good funding and sought external support and we transformed it.

Renfrew Town Hall is the centre point of the town, a historic building which is so well used.

It represents centuries of history and I was convinced it had a future, and it now does. To me, it symbolises the art of the “can-do”. People didn’t have the vision or the wherewithal to turn enthusiasm into activity, but if someone says no without a good reason, then find a way and challenge it.

If you are going to say no to me on something, you better have a very good case as to why it can’t be done.

6. This Little Light Of Mine

The National: The Very Reverend Lorna HoodThe Very Reverend Lorna Hood

THIS takes me back to my childhood. It’s about letting yourself shine out in moments of darkness. I remember it from school, where The Very Reverend Lorna Hood, the former Moderator of the Church of Scotland’s general assembly, was the chaplain.

She is a wonderful person who has been close to me for a very long time. I’ve always been surrounded by strong women, including my mum and my gran, which is why I hate misogyny so much and I do as much as I can to end it.

Even now I’ll go round singing that song, and I quite like the version by Bruce Springsteen. We did Joseph And His Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat for the school show one year, which is another favourite.

7. Coming out

The National: The SNP's John Nicolson described the party as 'the gayest in the world'The SNP's John Nicolson described the party as 'the gayest in the world'

IT was about the time of the equal marriage vote in the Scottish Parliament, and I felt it was time to examine my life. Behind the scenes at the point of coming out, I thought it was going to be the end of me. How would people perceive me, would it hurt my family?

Of course it would. I had to try to protect people, and I still protect my children as best as I can. It was the most difficult thing I have ever had to do.

The fact that the parliament and party was so supportive was very reassuring and speaks volumes for the country we now live in. I don’t like the word “tolerant” – you tolerate an itch. I like the word “acceptance”.

John Nicolson was MC at SNP conference and he described the SNP as the gayest party in the world. When the delegates applauded, my heart was full of pride.

I want to be a politician that happens to be gay, not a gay politician. I want being gay to just be normal. I don’t want people to be defined by their sexuality, but I’m certainly not ashamed of it.

Sometimes I’m told I’m seen as a role model, and I think that’s wonderful, but I want that to be because I’m good at what I do.

8. I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) 

The National:

I love dancing, and I’d dance to anything, but this song by The Proclaimers is my favourite, which is probably what you’d expect from a nationalist. I’m certainly not a Strictly Come Dancing performer, I’m more of a freestyle dancer. I do throw myself into work because of the things I think you can get done that way, but the sacrifice is your personal life. I don’t get a lot of free time and I don’t get a chance to watch a lot of telly, or read as much, although I am reading Michelle Obama’s book at the moment – but I do love music and my kids are my escape.

9. Meeting Obama

The National: Derek Mackay with former US president Barack ObamaDerek Mackay with former US president Barack Obama

HE’S the coolest guy I have ever met; he just oozes it. But he is a man of substance as well. I met him at a charity event and introduced myself as Scotland’s Finance Secretary.

He was really sharp and said “how’s that adding up?” I said: “About £38 billion – not much to a man of your former office.”

I did want to discuss Scottish independence, but we had to get on to the charity we were there for.

Obama has to be disappointed he didn’t achieve everything he wanted to, but he brings that passion and philosophy that inspires people.

There’s a famous quote that says you’re not remembered for what you have done, you’re remembered for how you made people feel.

I think he made people feel good and filled with hope. I try to live my life by that.

10. Star Wars

The National:

THE old ones are my favourite; it’s something about the underdogs winning and good versus evil. I’d like to be wise like Yoda, but I’d also like to be dynamic like Luke Skywalker.

I got into it when I was a kid, and one of the first books I got into was The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe by CS Lewis.

There’s something about the idea that you can escape from your difficulties and go into a whole different, magical place, which is maybe what I also saw in Star Wars. And I’m a Leo, so the lion saving the day in the book was wonderful.