Clare Adamson

Biography

Clare (née Pickering) was born in Motherwell to Eileen and George Pickering. From the age of seven, was brought up in Wishaw, Lanarkshire. She studied Computer Information Systems at Glasgow Caledonian University, graduating with the degree of BSc (with distinction). She belongs to the National Union of Journalists and is a Fellow of the British Computer Society.

In 2002, she married John Adamson, head teacher of a local state school, by whom she has one son (and three stepchildren). Her hobbies include painting and watching live music, especially folk music. She and her husband are enthusiastic members of the National Trust for Scotland. Prior to entering public life, Adamson worked for four years at the SNP HQ Campaign Unit as Project Manager of the Party’s 'Activate Project'. Previously she was European Development Manager (IT) at a Glasgow-based software house.

Political career

Adamson was selected to stand for election to North Lanarkshire Council in 2003 and contested Lanark & Hamilton East for the SNP at the 2010 UK General Election. Subsequently she was elected as MSP for the SNP and serves in the Scottish Parliament on the Education & Culture and Equal Opportunities Committees.

Since she was returned as a Member of the Scottish Parliament Adamson has continued to be actively involved with the Scottish Accident Prevention Council (as Vice Chairman) and the Lanarkshire International Children's Games Organising Committee.

At Holyrood, Adamson represents the constituency of Central Scotland and is Director of the North Lanarkshire Leisure Trust.

Adamson was active in holding up the "Yes vote" in North Lanarkshire at the Scottish independence referendum, 2014.