Born and educated in Aberdeen, I have spent my working life in public service.

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Following a policing career spanning 31 years and five years in university lecturing at Robert Gordon University, I was elected as an SNP councillor in Torry/Ferryhill, Aberdeen in 2019, before being elected to Holyrood in 2021.

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My career saw me investigate serious crime, develop national policing approaches to gender-based abuse, and advocate for legislative change to support policing responses to mental health.

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Retirement from policing saw me move to lecturing, where I supported the development of nurse and midwifery education that focused on the interaction between policing, public health and global health.

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My interest in politics solidified during the 2014 independence referendum and in 2019 I was elected as a councillor in Torry/Ferryhill, Aberdeen.

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I was only too familiar with the pressures bearing down on constituents. Becoming an MSP was a natural step for me, consolidating my skills and experience in a new political sphere.

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My constituency of Aberdeen South and North Kincardine is a diverse mix of urban, rural and coastal areas, historically supporting the local energy sector, farming, fish processing, education, hospitality and tourism.

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I am the Convenor of the Scottish Parliament Criminal Justice Committee and the Convener of the Cross Committee on Tackling Drugs Death and Drug Harm.

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Outwith my working life, I enjoy walking, cycling, music and skiing. I am married and have a son.