I was raised in the Netherlands, did my national service there and then moved to Edinburgh to take a degree at the University. I liked Edinburgh so much that I decided to stay on and started initially working for a Scottish company where I worked for 15 years. After that I started my own business. I lived in Edinburgh until 1992 when I moved to live in  the heart of Midlothian.

I believe I will bring an international perspective to the council. During my career I have got to know a great number of people both in the UK and all around the rest of the world. I will use my experience and expertise in the world of finance to support the Council officials and help to put Midlothian on a sound footing.

While I was brought up in the Netherlands, I have been a resident in Scotland since 1966, and I have become a converted Scot, and as you know nothing is more rabid than the convert.  I am a very passionate Scot who loves Scotland for which I have an enormous affinity.

I am very proud to call Midlothian my home.