PROFILE: Cllr Euan Hyslop (Scottish National Party)

AFTER LEAVING school Cllr Hyslop worked in sales and fundraising all over Scotland for national charities and eventually opening his own direct marketing firm. He left it behind to go travelling in 2015 and studied for an OU degree in Politics, Economics and Philosophy.

He said: “On returning to Scotland I worked at Forthview Primary School and Ferryhill Primary School as a Pupil Support Assistant before starting work as a Support Worker at Dean and Cauvin Young People’s Trust supporting care-experienced young people in Edinburgh.

“I opened a café in November 2021 with my partner. Running a small business in the community complements my work as a local Councillor. I’ve always loved working with people, and having a customer facing role allows me to build relationships with individuals and groups in the community. Not least the Corstorphine Trust with whom we share a building and work closely with. For example, this winter in the midst of the cost of living crisis, we are collaborating to open a warm space for the community.”

He explained why living in West Edinburgh suits him. He said: “I live in Drum Brae/Gyle Ward with my partner and our two-year-old son. It’s very much my home. I love being at the western and northern gateway to Edinburgh. Quick access north or west to our national parks is a big bonus for me as I like climbing, hiking and camping. On top of that you’re also close to the City Centre (it’s just a 30 minute cycle to the City Chambers) and we have some of the best, most picturesque bus routes anywhere in the city.

Cllr Hyslop is on the Planning Committee and Finance & Resources Committee. He said: “I’m passionate about protecting green space and tackling the housing crisis in Edinburgh. Planning policy is the best place to meet these issues head on.

“Finance and Resources gives you a broader picture of what’s going on in different committees across the Council. It’s also where decisions are made that can help alleviate some of the financial struggles that residents are going to face with rising inflation and a looming cost of living crisis. We need to make sure we as a Council are using all possible avenues to alleviate these pressures on residents of Edinburgh where we can.”

Asked why he got into politics in the first place the answer was very simple: “Scottish