Alistair Carmichael

Alistair Carmichael writes: Born: 15th July 1965 on Islay. I have two sisters. My parents are hill farmers.

Education: Port Ellen Primary School

Islay High School

Aberdeen University (LLB, Dip LP)

Occupation: Since 2001 MP for Orkney and Shetland. Currently Scottish Liberal Democrat spokesperson on Energy and part of the Liberal Democrats Home Affairs team. Previously a hotel manager and a solicitor.

Family: Married to Kate (a vet) since 1987. Two children – Sandy (born 1997) and Simon (born 2001).

My family home is in Orkney, we also have a home in Shetland. Being the MP for the UK’s most northerly constituency means that you spend a lot of time travelling. Most weeks when Parliament is sitting I leave home on Monday morning and am in London until Thursday or Friday when I travel back to either Shetland or Orkney. Once I am back home there is usually a fairly hectic round of meetings, surgeries and social gatherings.

When Parliament is not sitting I try and get out and about as much as possible. I represent 31 inhabited islands – some with populations as small as 15 or 20, a few with only one family.

When I had spare time (before I became an MP) I used to enjoy music and theatre – both as a spectator and as a participant. These days making time for hobbies is not easy although I still relax by listening to music and cooking.