Interview Copyright/Media Notice

If you would like permission to reproduce extracts from any of these interviews please click here for conditions:

Interviews

Tell a friend

Review this interview


Reviews of this interview


Cathy Jamieson

Cathy Jamieson - MSP

Cathy is an MSP and Minister for Justice. She was a Brownie and Guide in Kilmarnock, Ayrshire North.

"I get outraged at unfairness, violence and lack of compassion."



On being Scottish...


What is your favourite place in Scotland?

Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley constituency! It's hard to pick one particular spot, even in my own constituency, as we have got so much great scenery and special places.


If you could take two photographs of Scotland with you when you're away from home - where would they be?

If I had to take two photos with me on tour, one would be a view of the Doon Valley with a summer sunset in the background, and the other would be a view of Ailsa Craig in winter, with snow on the top.



Career…


What is your greatest achievement?

Representing constituents in Carrick Cumnock and Doon Valley is an enormous privilege and I am also proud to serve as Labour's Deputy Leader in the Scottish Parliament, as well as Justice Minister.

Having campaigned for many years to improve protection of children, I felt a sense of achievement in bringing forward changes to the law, but I still want to achieve more - I am currently focusing on getting new legislation passed which will radically reform our courts and justice services.


Guiding…


What part of Guiding's modernisation do you think was most important?

I think the most important change to Guiding, as in many other forms of youth work, has been to increase the involvement of young people themselves in the organisation giving them more of a role and a greater say in what they do.


What interest badge do you remember doing?

I have fond memories of the Camping Badge - I loved the outdoors and always enjoyed the whole experience of the camps.



Being a woman…



What qualities do you look for in female friends?


The qualities I look for in female friends are a sense of humour and compassion for people who are less fortunate than we have been. Many people have inspired me in life, particularly women who have had to deal with abuse, or who have had a background in care.

But in politics I was inspired by a local Ayrshire Councillor, Agnes Davies, who campaigned tirelessly over many years to improve education and children's services.

Sadly she has now passed away, but I was delighted that she lived to see the introduction of nursery places for all three and four year olds, something she was well ahead of her in time in advocating many years ago.


What's important to her...


If you had time to take an evening class and learn any new skill at all - what would you like to do?

If I had to learn a new skill it would be to learn more languages.


What outrages you?

I get outraged at unfairness, violence and lack of compassion.


What makes you smile?

Children's drawings and paintings ... they always have a particular view of the world!


To find out more about Cathy please see www.cathyjamieson.labour.co.uk

Find out more about Guiding


Go to main inspirational women page

Read interview by: -