I was educated at Craigclowan Preparatory School and then Morrison’s Academy.
I have a diploma in Government and Politics, a BA (Hons) in Politics and Social Science and a Diploma in Management Studies.
I worked as a management professional in the hospitality, housing and retail sectors and also in various charity organisations.
For 18 years I served as a councillor with Perth and Kinross Council holding the positions of Group Leader and Leader of the Opposition.
I was elected to Holyrood in 2016 for Mid Scotland and Fife as a regional list member and was re-elected in 2021.
I have held various Shadow Ministerial posts and am currently Deputy Shadow Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, External Affairs and Culture.
I was awarded the Freedom of the City of London in 1994, Membership of the Order of St John in 2003 and in 2016 the MBE.