I was born at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness to two public sector workers and raised in Ross-shire. I attended Maryburgh Primary School before going on to Dingwall Academy, where my commitment to public service and politics first began.
I studied Politics and Philosophy at the University of Stirling, graduating with a 2:1 Honours degree, before completing a postgraduate diploma in Strategic Public Relations.
After university, I returned home to the Highlands to work for Scottish Labour, serving as an adviser in Inverness to Rhoda Grant MSP and to former MP and MSP David Stewart. Representing the Highlands and Islands has been central to my professional and political life ever since.
I have worked extensively in and around the Scottish Parliament. As an adviser to Scottish Labour leaders Kezia Dugdale and Iain Gray, I gained first-hand experience of parliamentary leadership and national policymaking. I have also worked as a Holyrood official, serving as a Communications Manager in the Scottish Parliament, where I led on communicating Chamber and Committee business to local, national and international media. That role gave me a detailed understanding of how Holyrood operates in practice, and the experience to contribute effectively from day one.
Alongside my parliamentary work, I have held senior roles in some of Scotland’s most significant membership and representative organisations, including Scottish Chambers of Commerce and the Law Society of Scotland. I currently work as Head of Office to a UK Labour MP and Government Minister.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, I worked to support businesses, communities and individuals across the Highlands. As a Co-operative Party Member Pioneer, I helped coordinate support for local foodbanks and schools at a time when many families were under severe pressure.
I joined the Labour Party under the leadership of Gordon Brown and have previously stood for Highland Council, Holyrood and Westminster in the region. In 2021, I placed second to Rhoda Grant MSP in the Scottish Labour members’ ballot for the Highlands and Islands regional list. I also served in Anas Sarwar’s 2021 campaign cabinet as Scottish Labour’s spokesperson for Energy, Connectivity and the Islands.
For this election, I am standing for the Scottish Labour Highlands and Islands regional list and as Scottish Labour’s candidate for Shetland.
I am proud to be endorsed by the Scottish Co-operative Party, GMB, Community Union and UNISON Labour Link.
I am married to an NHS worker and am the proud parent of two young children, John and James. Like many families, we rely on strong public services, good jobs and well-connected communities and those values continue to drive my commitment to public life.