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Cathy Jamieson was born in Kilmarnock and was one of
the first pupils to benefit from comprehensive education in
Ayrshire. On leaving James Hamilton Academy she went on to
study at Glasgow School of Art, graduating with a BA ( Hons
).
She undertook postgraduate study at Goldsmiths College,
University of London, specialising in Art Therapy, at Glasgow
University where she completed a Diploma in Social Work, and
Glasgow Caledonian University, where she obtained a Certificate in
Management.
Her career in Social Work included front line social
work teams and specialist projects for young people in
trouble, in Glasgow, Renfrewshire and Ayrshire.
In 1992, she became Principal Officer of Who Cares?
Scotland, the advocacy organisation for children and young people
in residential care. While in this post, she served on the
management and advisory boards of a number of child care
organisations; contributed to publications and policy development
on childrens rights, child care, work with young people who offend,
youth work and residential child care. She also provided
inputs to various social care and social work training
courses.
On election to the Scottish Parliament in 1999, she
initially served on the Transport and Environment Committee, and
was Deputy Convenor of the European Committee. She joined the
Education Committee during its Inquiry into the SQA, and also spent
time on the Rural Affairs Committee.
In 2001, she was appointed Minister for Education and
Young People, and steered legislation on child
protection and reform of the SQA through Parliament, as well as
commencing the biggest school building programme in a generation,
and modernising Social Work education.
Following the 2003 election, she was appointed Justice
Minister, and held this post until May 2007, when the
administration changed. In addition to taking a substantial Justice
legislative programme through parliament ( 14
bills including reform of Courts , vulnerable witnesses,
management of offenders, policing, family law, legal
aid and legal profession, Scottish Commission on Human Rights ) she
took a leading role on anti social behaviour, tackling violence and
sectarianism and commissioned a major review of Scotland's Civil
Justice system.
She is currently Deputy Leader of Labour in the Scottish
Parliament. She actively supports a number of causes and local
organisations, being a Trustee of the Barony A Frame Trust and a
Patron of Cumnock Osteoporosis Group, Girvan Youth Trust,
Dalmellington Band and Ayr Flower Show.
Married with one son, she lives in the heart of Burns
country in Mauchline, and makes no apologies for
speaking with an Ayrshire accent!
Outside of politics, her interests include art,
photography, walking, Burns and local
history. A fanatical Kilmarnock F.C.
supporter, she also takes a keen interest in the fortunes of her
local junior football teams.
In addition to regular appearances on political
programmes, she has made guest appearances on 'Offside' and '
Off the Ball'
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