Johann Lamont

I guess it feels to me that the political argument that has been lost in my lifetime is taxation. How do you engage in that debate when people don't trust politicians at all? It is almost impossible to start a conversation about taxation.

I spent ridiculous amounts of time as an activist and volunteer and was a teacher for 20 years.

There is a circus around politics. But if you think it is a game, then you forget what the purpose of politics actually is.

Progressive politics is not something to be bolted on to another cause.

I used to go to a Gaelic class on a Saturday morning, but I never felt myself that I could speak it properly.

That's a really healthy thing - family will always protect you from yourself.

Scotland is my country, the nation that shaped me, that taught me my values. A nation whose achievements inspired and inspire me, a community whose failings drive me - drive my overwhelming desire to fight for social justice and equality.

I've got a very deep and abiding passion about education being far more than buildings and textbooks; it's what children bring into school with them.

I've taught fifth-year Christmas leavers last thing on a Friday afternoon. Basically, if you can face that you can face anything.