Jamie McGrigor's Highlands

This issue's Q&A features jamie mcgrigor, member of scottish parliament for the highlands and islands since 1999 and owner of an extensive hill farm for over 25 years

Q: How long have you lived/worked in the area?
A: My parents moved to Argyll when I was six. Although I was educated and worked south of the border for a time, I returned permanently to Argyll 27 years ago where I own a hill sheep and cattle farm.

Q: What are the area's main attractions, in your opinion?
A: Undoubtedly the magnificent scenery, which can change so dramatically in different climates and around each corner. The range of physical activities, the sense of freedom and the warmth and generosity of the local people.

Q: What is the worst thing about the region?
A: The weather which rolls in from the Atlantic is unpredictable and the midges can sometimes be tiresome.

Q: What would be your ideal day in the region?
A: Being a keen fisherman, a good day's salmon or trout fishing is my ideal way to spend a day.

Q: Has devolution changed the Highlands and Scotland as a whole in your eyes?
A: Devolution has been beneficial in that local issues have been raised frequently in the Scottish Parliament, but unfortunately not enough attention is being given to the special needs of the region such as road infrastructure.

Q: Who are your Scottish heroes, both historical and contemporary?
A: King Alexander III who in 1263 defeated King Haakon of Norway's huge fleet at the battle of Largs, thus freeing Scotland from the Viking yoke and promoting a ‘Golden Age' of peace and prosperity for Scotland. Alexander Fleming who invented penicillin and Allan Stevenson, uncle...

To read the rest of this article you can do any of the following.

• By : Jamie McGrigor
• In : Interview
• Issue : 4
• Page : 53
• Words : 534