I was born in 1954 in Hertfordshire, where it happens my Scottish parents lived at the time.  I was brought up in Edinburgh  and I have an Honours Degree in Chemistry from Edinburgh University and a PhD in Physical Chemistry from Cambridge University.  I then went on to work in scientific research, and was an associate lecturer for the Open University, I also worked for Alec Smith, Member of the European Parliament.

 I am married with three children, all of whom attended Dumfries Academy but are all now 'grown up'. My husband, Jeff, worked as a research scientist for many years but now works part-time as my researcher, and was elected as Councillor for Lochar Ward in Dumfries in May 2007. 

Prior to becoming an MSP, I was a Councillor on Strathclyde Regional Council, and South Ayrshire Council, where I was Convenor of Educational Services.   I joined the Labour Party in 1983 and am a member of the Transport and General Workers Union.

I was very proud to be elected as Member of the Scottish Parliament for Dumfries Constituency following the first Scottish Parliamentary elections in May 1999, and then to be re-elected in May 2003, and again  in May 2007.  I have served on a number of  Committees in the Scottish Parliament, and was Deputy Minister for Tourism, Culture & Sport from December 2001 to May 2003.  Currently I am a member of the Rural Affairs & Environment Committee and Shadow Minister for the Environment.

Outside of politics,  I enjoy reading, music, gardening, cooking, being a horse owner (and sometimes rider) and going on holiday with Jeff (when time permits!).  Most of all, I enjoy the company of my family and friends.