Politics, Plunges & Purpose - Woody chats to MSP Rachael Hamilton

Rachael Hamilton MSP has never been one to shy away from rolling up her sleeves…she’s built her career around championing Scotland's farming communities, small businesses and the people who call the countryside home.Since first being elected to the Scottish Parliament in 2016, Rachael has represented the South of Scotland and has gone on to be re-elected time and again as the constituency MSP for Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire. Today, she serves as Deputy Leader of the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, with responsibilities covering the economy, tourism and education.Over the years, Rachael has worked alongside four Scottish Conservative leaders, taking on a wide range of senior roles including Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Small Business, Rural Affairs, Equalities, Social Security and Older People, and Rural Economy. She has also served on numerous parliamentary committees, giving her experience across everything from tourism and culture to rural affairs, justice and the economy.Before politics, Rachael's career was firmly rooted in rural Scotland. A BASIS-qualified agronomist who studied at Harper Adams University, she has first-hand experience of agriculture and understands the challenges facing farmers and rural businesses. She also helped run her family's hospitality business, the Buccleuch Arms, where she developed a lifelong appreciation for local enterprise, resilience and community.Away from politics, Rachael is every bit as energetic as you'd imagine. She's a big fan of cold water swimming and rarely says no to a dip—even when the Scottish weather has other ideas! We often joke she's a wee bit like Wonder Woman: a quick icy swim, then ready in record time then off to meetings looking effortlessly put together.She's also passionate about encouraging more women and young people into public life. As a mentor with Women2Win Scotland, she enjoys supporting the next generation of leaders and believes politics is strongest when it reflects the people it serves.Warm, hardworking and full of energy, Rachael brings humour, determination and a refreshingly down-to-earth approach to life—whether she's debating in Holyrood, visiting local businesses, or diving into cold water before the working day begins.Enjoy this episode of Happy Thistle 💜[email protected] https://www.rachaelhamilton.co.uk---Find your financial footing with Mortgage Advice Bureau. In a market of shifting interest rates and complex options, the "mental load" of finding the right mortgage can be exhausting. Whether you're a first-time buyer or looking to remortgage before rates move again, we’re here to declutter the process. Our advisers turn industry jargon into clear choices, helping you secure a deal that fits your life today.Start your journey here: https://mailchi.mp/mab.org.uk/happy-thistle-get-in-touchYour home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.There may be a fee for mortgage advice. The actual amount you pay will depend upon your circumstances. The fee is up to 1%, but a typical fee is 0.3% of the amount borrowed.”