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

IT has been an organic process which came about through my desire to lift and serve people around me and to better my community where I can. I was asked many times to stand, which led me to seriously considering the positive impact I could have as an MSP, supporting constituents, but also my drive to progress Scotland to become an independent country.

What first got you into politics?

MY family have always been political, my mother and father SNP and independence supporters since the 1960s, so that has always been a part of my life. My personal driver towards being more actively involved was the 2014 referendum.

What’s your career experience beyond politics?

I HAVE been an unpaid carer and advocate most of my life. My father is deaf and from a young age I was an advocate and interpreter for him, I have also raised six children, some with additional support needs.

Throughout my time caring, I have worked within my community in various volunteer roles, supporting vulnerable people, disabled people, young people and children.

During this time I also studied politics economics and philosophy. I am now a councillor which has been a fantastic opportunity to have my real-life lived experience influence policy and hopefully shape a more humanitarian view within local politics.

Why should the people of your constituency vote for you in May?

I HAVE spent my whole life caring and supporting people, I have a strong record of advocacy, of bearing responsibility throughout my life, bearing it well and taking my stewardship very seriously.

I am standing as an SNP candidate because the SNP have a solid record of achievement, of committing, acting and improving. With this combination the people of Banffshire and Buchan Coast will have a solid advocate in not only myself but the SNP who are the only party to truly stand up for the people of Scotland.

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

I HOPE to improve the lives of local residents, from addressing social inequality to promoting economic development, all within a caveat of environmental sensitivity. With our abundance in natural resources, Banffshire and Buchan Coast has the potential to be at the forefront of renewable energy. Welcoming jobs and economic growth within this sector is something I recognise is of significant importance for our communities and we must continue to build on this.

Our fishing and farming industries are at the heart of Banffshire and Buchan Coast which provides first-class Scottish produce along with essential local economic benefits. We have a wonderful culture and heritage which attracts tourists from around the globe. I will work hard to protect and promote these industries.

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

WITH independence, we would have the power to make full decisions on industry, trade, social security, immigration and defence. Within these areas we could truly shape our vision of Scotland.

Tell us something unusual about yourself?

IT is maybe not that unusual but it’s perhaps not the norm to many people – I am a huge Elvis fan and have been since I was a little girl.

I have been lucky enough to visit Graceland and his birthplace in Tupelo. I attend many Elvis festivals and events in Scotland and abroad.

His music has always been a source of comfort for me along with his generous nature which was very inspiring to me. Elvis has ancestors here in the north-east on his paternal side which I don’t think many people know!