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Interviews

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

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.
If I had to learn a new skill it would be to learn more languages.
I get outraged at unfairness, violence and lack of compassion.
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
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