Member for Ross, Skye and Lochaber since 2005. Member for Ross, Skye and Inverness West since 1983. Political career: Leader of the Liberal Democrats since 1999; LD Spokesperson, Agricultural, Fisheries and Rural Affairs 1997-99; LD European Spokesperson 1994-97; SLD Member since 1988; President of the Liberal Democrats 1990-94; SDP Member 1983-87. Special political interests: Scotland, health, social services, foreign affairs. Profession/Trade: Radio news reporter; columnist; broadcaster with BBC Highland Inverness. Education: Lochaber High School; Glasgow University 1982 (President of the Union); Fulbright Scholarship teaching Speech Communication and British Politics at Indiana University 1982-83. Title/Honours/Decorations: Winner, British Observer Mace for University Debating 1982. Hobbies: Reading, writing, listening to music.
b. 25 November 1959, Inverness.

2005				2001
LIB DEM HOLD	Votes	%	+/- %	Votes	%
Lib Dem	19,100	54.3	-	18,832	54.1
Labour	4,851	13.8	-	5,880	16.9
Conservative	3,275	9.3	-	3,096	8.9
SNP	3,119	8.9	-	4,901	14.1
UKIP	3,112	8.9	-	265	0.8
Green	1,097	3.1	-	699	2
Scot Soc	412	1.2	-	683	2
Independent	184	0.5	-	-	-
Countryside	-	-	-	456	1.3
Majority	14,249	43.8	-	12,952	37.2
Turnout	35,538	64.6	-	34,812	61.6