Born: Glasgow
Education: Graduated with a degree in politics from Western Australia University in 1975; graduated with a Bachelor of Laws degree in 1982 at the Edinburgh University; followed in 1983 by a Diploma in Legal Practice from the Aberdeen University
Career: SNP researcher (1977-1979); solicitor at Dumbarton District Council (1983-1986); solicitor at Glasgow District Council (1983-1986); solicitor at a private practice (1989-1990) and was admitted to the Faculty of Advocates (1990-present)
Political career: MP for Perth and Kinross (1995-1997); MP for Perth (1997-2001); MSP for Perth (1999-2011); deputy leader of the SNP (2000-2004); MSP for Perthshire South and Kinross-shire (2011-present); Minister for Community Safety and Legal Affairs (2011-2014); Cabinet Secretary for Fair Work, Skills and Training (2014-2016); Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform (2016-present)