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, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee 2001-06; Member, LD Federal Policy Committee 2002 and 1999-2001. Political career: Member, House of Commons Commission since 2010; Liberal Democrat Shadow Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills 2009-10; Liberal Democrat Shadow Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform 2008-09; Liberal Democrat Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland 2003-06; Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Scotland 2001-06; Liberal Democrat Shadow Secretary of State for Transport 2003-05; Scottish Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Tourism 2001-05; Liberal Democrat Whip 2001-02; Liberal Democrat Peer, House of Lords 1995-99 (Viscount Thurso). Special political interests: Tourism, House of Lords reform. Profession/Trade: Hotelier. Title/Honours/Decorations: FIH 1991; Freedom of City of London 1991. Education: Westminster Technical College, HCIMA Membership Exam 1974. Languages spoken: French. Affiliations: President, Tourism Society since 2000; Academy of Food and Wine Service since 1998; Member, Ringland Labour Club; Patron, Hotel Catering and International Management Association 1997-2003; Chair, UK Springboard Festival Year 2000; 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.