Alex writes:

I am originally from central London and moved to Bigton in 2020. My mother is a Shetlander and my grandparents were from Cunningsburgh and Scatness. Over the last year I have been involved in the community purchase of our local kirk – I’m inspired to see what can be achieved when folk work collaboratively together and this gives me hope for Shetland’s future.

I work as a children’s doctor and witness how factors beyond people's control are often a reason why they become unwell. Taking action on a political level can help people in ways that medicine cannot. I’ve seen how political leadership on issues like drug policy can save lives and significantly improve health and life outcomes.

I aim to engage in politics in the same way that I try to practice medicine: by listening to people, by showing care and empathy, and by applying evidence-based policy to improve lives. With the world on the brink of climate disaster and so many of us at home concerned about energy and food security, there is much work to be done.