- Green Party

I have long connections with rural Stirling.

My sister founded the Buchlyvie Pottery Shop, now being run by the next generation.

I lived near Doune in the 1980s and moved to Aberfoyle nine years ago.

Between times, I was a lecturer at the University of Edinburgh and conducted sociological research on the shaping and impacts of technology, including gender inclusion in engineering.

By way of a second career, I then worked freelance, facilitating and training people in public engagement activities – endeavouring to make these as impactful as possible and to encourage dialogue between all present.

I have seen the wisdom and energy that can be released when‘ordinary’ citizens work together on complex issues that affect their lives.

This kind of‘bottom up democracy’could play a vital part in addressing the climate emergency.

Rural communities in the Stirling Council area have particular issues, and particular contributions to make, as we work to build more sustainable futures for our villages – socially, economically and environmentally.