The Team

My team work alongside me to make sure your interests are represented in the European Union and to ensure people in Scotland are aware of the latest developments across Europe. The team are always happy to assist and look forward to hearing from you!

 

Laura Rayner

Chief of Staff

laura.rayner@alynsmith.eu

Originally from the south-east of England, Laura moved to Scotland in 2003 to study History at Stirling University. After graduating with First-Class BA (Hons) degree in June 2007, she accepted a scholarship from Edinburgh University and completed an MSc by Research in Scottish History, gaining Distinction.

Laura initially joined Alyn's Brussels office as an intern on the Allan Macartney Internship programme, and after a spell working with a public affairs firm joined the Edinburgh office in January 2008 as Press Officer and moved to head up Alyn's team, based in the European Parliament office in Brussels, in Autumn 2009. She is responsible for EU policy issues and politics as well as issues surrounding Europe and Scotland, and takes a lead in much of Alyn's agricultural work.

 

Calum Cashley

Director of Policy

calum.cashley@alynsmith.eu

Originally from Dundee, Calum has been involved in politics and a member of the SNP all of his adult life. Prior to joining Alyn’s team he spent nearly 12 years working in the Scottish Parliament as an advisor to Linda Fabiani MSP (1999 to 2011); to Fiona Hyslop MSP (2001 to 2007) and to Christina McKelvie MSP (2007 to 2011).

As Director of Policy he is responsible for developing policy using pan-European comparisons and for engagement with Scottish public policy organisations. He advises Alyn on policy issues and projects, directs research and prepares policy briefings.

 

Catriona Matheson

Parliamentary Advisor

catriona.matheson@alynsmith.eu

From Cupar in Fife, Catriona spent a year working for NGOs in Sri Lanka and India before moving to Glasgow to study. As part of her degree, she undertook a year studying Government and International Relations at the University of Sydney, Australia, before graduating from the University of Glasgow with an MA (Hons) in Politics.

Catriona worked as a Parliamentary Researcher at the Scottish Parliament before joining Alyn's Edinburgh office in September 2009. She moved to the European Parliament in Brussels in January 2011. Catriona takes a lead in Alyn's work on the Parliament's Energy  Committee. Her remit also includes issues relating to the third sector, culture, education and foreign affairs.

 

Leanne Dobson

Constituency Advisor

leanne.dobson@alynsmith.eu

Originally from Dundee, Leanne grew up close to Dumbarton and moved to Stirling for university where she gained a BA (Hons) in Politics, Philosophy and Economics. During her time at university, Leanne gained experience of the political world through her work with the Constitutional Commission. Before joining Alyn's Edinburgh office she worked as an intern for Bruce Crawford MSP.

Leanne is responsible for Alyn's diary while he is in Scotland, as well as his travel arrangements and the correspondence he receives from constituents.

 

Paul Togneri

Holyrood Liaison Advisor

paul.togneri@alynsmith.eu

Paul is from Edinburgh and joined Alyn’s team from the SNP Central Office. Paul previously held numerous positions within the SNP and its youth wing before working as a Press Officer in the Scottish Parliament and on national campaigns for the party.

Paul is responsible for liaising between the European and Scottish Parliaments', as well as communicating with the national media. He also works for Aileen McLeod MSP as Parliamentary Advisor responsible for national press and committee work.