Profile – Alex Graham
Alex was born and raised in the village Borve on the west side of the Isle of Lewis, where his father’s family had been landless squatters for many years following the clearance of the nearby Galson estate in 1863.
Alex was educated at Airidhantuim Primary School, the Nicolson Institute, and University of Edinburgh where he was awarded an Honours BSc Degree in Physics. He is a native Gaelic speaker.
A Chartered Accountant, he has lived in Inverness since 1979. Alex worked with local accounting firms and in the NHS before setting up his own accountancy practice. He is currently employed by the Gaelic language agency Bòrd na Gàidhlig.
A long-standing Liberal, he has been involved in some capacity in almost every election for over 30 years and is a staunch supporter of Charles Kennedy, whom he has supported in every Parliamentary campaign since 1983. Alex served as Liberal councillor for the Kinmylies ward on Inverness District Council from 1980 to 1996, retiring at the 1996 re-organisation. He was elected to Highland Council on 3 May 2007, one of three members for newly-created Inverness West ward which includes the Kinmylies area which he formerly represented on the District Council. Alex was re-elected in May 2012 for another term on Highland Council.
In September 2008, Alex was appointed as a Deputy Provost of Inverness.
In addition to local government, Alex has a wide variety of interests including the Gaelic language, computing, local history, and supporting Inverness Caley Thistle.
Alex’s key issues and concerns:
- Representing Inverness West ward effectively;
- Improved local transport links, especially progressing the West Link Road bypass for Inverness ;
- Protecting green spaces and enhancing recreational facilities, especially at the Torvean canal crossing;
- Continuing the improvements to local schools;
- Keeping local residents informed with regular Focus newsletters.