THURSO, John

Member for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross since 2001. Committees: Treasury Select Committee since 2006; Treasurer, All-Party Wine Group since 2003; Joint Vice- Chair, All-Party Shooting and Conservation Group since 2002; Vice-Chair, All-Party Tourism Group since 2002; Member, LD Federal Policy Committee 1999-2001, and 2002; Member, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee 2001-06. Political career: Whip 2001-02; Scottish Liberal Democrat Spokesperson on Tourism since 2001; Spokesperson on Scottish Affairs since 2001; elected to the Commons, June 2001; Spokesperson on Food 1999, and Tourism 1997-99. Special political interests: Tourism, House of Lords reform. Profession/Trade: Hotelier. Title/Honours/Decorations: FHCIMA 1991; Freedom of City of London 1991. Education: Westminster Technical College, HCIMA Membership Exam 1974. Languages spoken: French. Affiliations: Member, Ringland Labour Club; Patron, Hotel Catering and International Management Association 1997-2003; Chair, UK Springboard Festival Year 2000; President, Tourism Society 2000, Academy of Food and Wine Service since 1998; President, Licensed Victuallers Schools 1996-97; Master Innholders Association 1995-97; BHA Clubs Panel 1992-96; Chair, Bucks Game Conservatory 1990-92. Author of: Tourism Tomorrow (1998). b. 10 September 1953, Thurso, Caithness, Scotland. Married with three children.