Can you explain your motivation for wanting to become an MSP?

I HAVE spent my working life in public service, serving as a police officer for 31 years followed by five years of university lecturing. During this time, I was elected as a councillor in the constituency.

I am passionate about helping people who are at a vulnerable point in their lives. My professional background has helped me embrace my role and deliver results. I am now ready to use my talents and skills in a new sphere of political life, representing the constituency and, of course, securing the only option for the people of Scotland: independence.

What first got you into politics?

THE devastating outcome of the 2014 referendum was a turning point when my long-standing interest in Scottish politics became a deeper personal passion. My husband is SNP group leader in Aberdeen City and I gradually became part of the SNP “family” in Aberdeen.

Witnessing the consequences of Tory austerity in my policing role and the 2016 EU referendum further re-inforced my belief that the SNP are the only viable option for the future of Scotland.

What’s your career experience beyond politics?

DURING my time in uniformed and specialist policing roles I was immersed in both operational delivery and policy development for public protection. After retirement, I lectured in the School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedic Practice at the Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen. I have built a wealth of professional experience in law and justice, health and education which I now use in my role as a councillor.

Why should the people of your constituency vote for you?

I KNOW the constituency well. I am an Aberdonian and know the area’s history, demographics, attributes and challenges. I worked throughout the area for many years in my policing role and councillor for Torry and Ferryhill. I understand the challenges and expectations of elected office and have invaluable insight into what we must do to develop our city for the future.

If you’re elected, what do you hope to achieve?

THE next parliamentary session will see the social, economic and health impact of Covid-19 frame much of the work of MSPs. I want to support the development of economic policy that moves in line with public health policy, ensuring equity of access to support and opportunities by everyone who needs it.

At a constituency level, I want Aberdeen to be the home of the energy transition that will offer opportunities to create new sustainable jobs. I want new rail stations built to improve connectivity in Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen, and even greater investment in safe, secure housing.

With the powers of independence, what’s the one thing about Scotland you would change?

SCOTLAND has seen a disproportionately low fiscal benefit from the North Sea oil and gas sector with significant revenue flowing directly to the UK Government. While this sector declined, the Scottish Government Programme for Government outlines a commitment to support businesses in growing and diversifying towards energy transition. Independence will bring an opportunity to have greater fiscal control and also to set the pace for achieving our net-zero emissions target.

Tell us something unusual about yourself?

I was vetted to top-secret level by the security service during my police career and remain passionate about protecting our national security, countering extremism, and tackling polarised debate and rhetoric in communities.