I’m someone who has spent their life working hard to support family, neighbours, and community.

Full statement

For years, I’ve seen how decisions made in party-political bubbles often ignore the realities of life here in the Borders.

I’m standing because I believe we deserve better, not just promises at election time, but honest, independent representation that puts people before parties.

I managed a McDonald’s in my younger career, like many young people around Berwickshire who started their first jobs there with me, and then I built up my own small gardening business from scratch.

Life threw some big challenges my way: serious health problems and major operations that changed everything. But out of that came one of the most rewarding parts of my life, becoming a foster carer.

For nearly 14 years now, I’ve opened my life to children who needed a home, giving them stability, love, and a chance to feel safe.

A few years ago I joined Eyemouth Community Council, thinking I’d just help out locally. What I saw shocked me.

Ordinary people, hard-working mums, dads, grandparents were being dismissed, talked down to, or ignored by those in positions of power. The disdain was real, and it made me angry.

I’m not a career politician. I went into this for one reason only: to stand up for the things that affect our lives, decent schools, proper care for our elderly because we will all get old if we are lucky, fair opportunities, safe streets, and a local economy that gives our young people a reason to stay here instead of leaving.

My focus is straightforward and heartfelt - cut out real waste in the Scottish Government so we can protect and properly invest in our schools, education, and the NHS, the things that matter most to families every single day.