 A helping hand from a celebrity chef |
In BBC Parliament's second sampling of the new blood in the Scottish Parliament we look at a Conservative and a Liberal Democrat choice.
The Scottish Parliament's second session is already under way and even the Queen has paid tribute to its rainbow-like diversity.
Among the variety of incomers is a doctor - whose new role is partially due to the help of a celebrity chef - and a man whose win came as a total shock.
Fat lady's friend
New list member for North East Scotland Nanette Milne is a doctor and Vice Chairman of the Scottish Conservative Party.
Her heroes include Margaret Thatcher, John Major and a less familiar former minister.
Alick Buchannan-Smith, a Conservative MP for nearly 30 years, was a "great man" according to Mrs Milne. She says his "consideration and courtesy" should be followed by today's politicians.
The celebrity helping hand Mrs Milne received was from Clarissa Dickson Wright of 'Two Fat Ladies' fame.
Mrs Dickson Wright gave door knocking assistance and even toured a local gardening centre with the prospective MSP.
It has not taken Mrs Milne long to get aquainted with speaking in the parliament.
She made a maiden speech on dental services in Grampian and has vowed to "put forward the north east's case". Her experiences as a doctor have given her strong views on health amongst which is a distrust of "micromanagment".
Unexpected victor
The highlight of Mike Pringle's election campaign was when the returning officer announced he had won.
The new Liberal Democrat member says "not a single person" thought he would succeed in Edinburgh. But he managed to pull off a major coup - even if there were only 167 votes between him and his Labour rival.
Mr Pringle takes some inspiration from members of political parties that he battled so hard against in May's election.
Former Labour leader Hugh Gaitskell and Tory Prime Minister Harold Macmillan are both cited as "astute politicians". Shirley Williams - someone who is still an active member of his own party - is also an inspiration.
The continuing troubles surrounding the building of a new chamber for the Parliament are a source of consternation for Mike Pringle.
He says the 'political decision' behind the plans for Holyrood was wrong from the start. The delays and cost hikes have tarnished the reputation of the body.
The new Lib Dem member has found the Parliament, as he told members during his maiden speech, to be a "friendly place".
Now he is focusing on serving his constituents and expressing their concerns about issues such as youth crime.
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