Dr Alasdair Allan was elected MSP for the Western Isles at the May 5, 2011 election.
He was born in Ashkirk in 1971 and attended Glasgow and Aberdeen Universities, gaining a PhD in Scots Language in 1998.
Prior to becoming an MSP Alasdair was senior media relations officer for the Church of Scotland. He regularly wrote Gaelic columns in various newspapers and was named Gaelic journalist of the year in 2006. In addition he was also the National Secretary of the SNP from 2003 to 2006.
When not working, he sings with the Back District Gaelic Choir in Lewis, with whom he has competed in the National Mod.
Parliamentary Office:
Dr Alasdair Allan MSP, The Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh, EH99 1SP
On Twitter: @alasdairallan