I am a corporate communicator with over 40 years experience in journalism, public relations and corporate communications. I have a background in newspapers, broadcasting and the civil service having been employed as a Special Adviser to Donald Dewar, the first First Minister of Scotland. I also ran my own public affairs business prior to being elected to the Scottish Parliament. As an MSP I was a member of the Economy, Energy and Tourism committee before being appointed Deputy Shadow spokesperson for Finance. I was also a member of the Finance committee and the Deputy convener of the Scottish Parliament Business Exchange.Specialties: Government liaison, crisis communication, corporate reputation building, general public relations.