Ailsa grew up in the Scottish Borders and moved to Edinburgh to study for a degree in business, later returning to university to study law. She trained in private practice in Edinburgh and has worked for the Scottish Government since qualifying in 1999. Ailsa has had legal roles advising various ministerial departments – including housing, pensions and health & social care. She has also had secondments to the Scottish Parliament and to Revenue Scotland.
Outside of work, Ailsa is kept busy with her family and church. She likes music, reading and also runs occasionally – though not so much for pleasure.