Biography

Born in 1965, Alistair was raised in the Western Isles with his two sisters. His parents are hill farmers and still live on Islay.

After leaving school he worked in the hospitality industry as a chef and later a hotel manager before enrolling at Aberdeen University to complete his degree in law. When he qualified, Alistair remained in the north east and became a procurator fiscal depute working mostly in the criminal courts.

Alistair was first elected to Parliament in 2001, replacing Jim Wallace as MP for Orkney and Shetland. During his time at Parliament he has shadowed a number of portfolios in opposition, speaking for his party on issues relating to the work of the Home Office, transport and Scotland. After the recent coalition agreement between the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives, he was appointed as Deputy Government Chief Whip.

Alistair has campaigned on a range of issues since arriving at Westminster, leading cross-party efforts to secure relief for high fuel prices for people living in more isolated areas and working with colleagues to improve digital services in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. He has also worked closely with Ministers on fisheries issues, pressing the case for a more regional approach to fisheries management.

Outside of politics, Alistair's interests include theatre, music and cooking. He married his wife Kate in 1987 and they live in their family home in Orkney with their two sons Sandy and Simon. 

Experience

Former Solicitor, former Procurator Fiscal Depute and former hotel manager

Parliamentary Experience

2010 Deputy Chief Whip to the House of Commons; October 2008 - Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland and Northern Ireland; 2007 to 2008 - Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and Scotland; 2006 to 2007 - Shadow Secretary of State for Transport; 2005 to 2006 - Shadow Home Affairs team; 2001 to 2005 - Northern Ireland spokesperson. Deputy Chief Whip since May 2010.

Interests

Music and amateur dramatics

Contact Me

Email: carmichaela@parliament.uk
Website: www.alistaircarmichael.co.uk
Telephone: 01856 876541
Fax: 01856 876162
Address:

• House of Commons
• LONDON
• SW1A 0AA