Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning
Fiona Hyslop was born in Ayrshire in 1964 and was brought up in her early years in England before returning to Scotland and graduating from Glasgow University with an MA (Hons) in Economic History and sociology.
She completed a post graduate Diploma in Industrial Administration at the Scottish College of Textiles.
She then moved to Edinburgh and joined the financial services company Standard Life where she held various positions in sales and marketing latterly as Brand Development Manager.
She was elected a Lothians MSP in 1999 and was latterly the Shadow Minister for Children, Education and Lifelong Learning and a member of the Parliament's Education Committee.
She is married with three children and lives in Linlithgow.