Interview: Aileen Campbell MSP

Profile

Aileen Campbell is MSP for Clydesdale and Minister for Public Health and Sport.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Being a minister in the Scottish Government is an enormous honour. Having the opportunity to drive forward policies and innovations that will help improve Scotland’s health and wellbeing is a privilege and I am determined to use my time in this post to do what I can to create a healthier Scotland. The job brings with it a huge amount of challenge, but also wonderful enjoyment.

What is the most important message you like to get across about cancer prevention?

Four in ten cancers can be prevented if we all do our best to live healthier lives. We can all do this by taking simple steps such as stopping smoking, watching our weight, eating fruit and veg and less processed and red meat, drinking less alcohol and being more active.

What would people find surprising about you?

That’s a toughie!! Hmmm…probably one thing that folk don’t know about me is that I once won a gold medal for karate when I was at a local competition and one thing that has surprised me, is that I have found a new love of gardening and growing vegetables! My dad was a farmer, so I guess you can take the girl from the farm, but you can’t take the farm outta the girl!

To tweet or not to tweet?

I love to tweet – I have a new iPhone and it’s now complete with emojis which are adding to the fun of social media! It’s also a fantastic way to stay connected with groups, organisations and constituents.

How do you relax?

I love reading, watching the football (watching strictly come dancing!) and “playing” rugby along with some fellow mums at Biggar RFC.

Five a day?

I love fruit and veg so I do try my best. My constituency is famous for its orchards, so Clydesdale is the best place to get apples and pears and reach your five a day.

What is the best decision you have ever taken?

To have my two wee boys – I love being a Mum.

This article was originally published in The SCPN Newsletter Volume 7, Issue 4. Read the digital newsletter below using Issuu, or feel free to download the PDF.