Just over a year ago, eyebrows were raised when the newly-elected councillor for Tweeddale East, Shona Haslam, became leader of Scottish Borders Council – the first woman to do so. Reporter Hilary Scott spoke to her about her whirlwind political career and the sharp learning curve it has entailed.

ONCE known as "the minister’s daughter" in her youth, Shona Haslam has evolved from this title and is now more commonly known for her bold and brave decision to become the first female leader of Scottish Borders Council.

It’s just over a year since the news was released that there was a new kid on the block in politics, who not only beat off rival party competition to grab the Tweeddale East seat, but was then given one of the biggest challenges of her new career, taking the reins to lead the local authority in a more dynamic manner.

The last time I interviewed Shona Haslam was in a very different capacity. She was project manager for the Peeblesshire Youth Trust and very passionate and committed to her role improving the lives of young people.

Fast forward a year and a half, I arrive at the same Peebles coffee shop to interview Shona. Bearing in mind I haven’t spoken to her since she embarked on her political journey, I wondered if election and leadership success had changed her – in personality, no, but she definitely seemed more driven.

As much as I wanted to press the leader on burning issues of contention surrounding Conservative Party decisions that have impacted the people of the Scottish Borders, I focused on her experience after serving her first year leading the local government body.

So how did the Church of Scotland Minister’s daughter in Peebles go on to become leader of Scottish Borders Council?

Shona explained: "About two and a half years ago my husband and I sat down and said we need a couple of years consolidation. Let’s not make any big decisions, let’s not to anything major. Since then we have bought the Courthouse in Peebles. I’ve stood for election and I’ve become leader of the Council."

It was the words of her late mentor in politics Alison Polson, that inspired Shona to stand in the 2017 election. "At every single election she would ask me if I was going to stand and I kept on saying it’s not the right time. About 18 months ago she passed away and they were looking for candidates for the local election. Had Alison still been here I probably would’ve simply said no again and that I wasn’t ready, but for some reason it felt like the right time."

Being elected was always an ambition for Shona, and she began canvassing. "I got selected to stand for Tweeddale East and there was already a sitting Conservative councillor, so I worked hard, knocking on lots of doors, speaking to people."

But it never entered the newly-elected councillor’s mind that she would then go on to become leader. She added: "I thought maybe if we are in administration I might get a portfolio based on my experience in health and education. I never for a second thought I’d be the leader."

However, following her success in the election, Shona was sitting in a Toby Carvery in Manchester celebrating a family birthday when opportunity came calling. And, in true 'Yes Minister' style, she answered her phone and casually said "yes" when asked by chief whip Councillor John Greenwell if she would consider being leader.

She explained: "I’m a great believer in never say no to any opportunity, grab life by the scruff of its neck and run with it."

Two days later, from the carvery to the golf course, Shona was on at a charity golf event when her mobile rang. This time with news that a press release was about to be issued announcing her as leader of Scottish Borders Council.

On May 18, 2018, Shona was formally accepted as leader. And although people dubiously wondered who she was, it didn’t take her long to win their confidence once they learned of her wide-ranging experience having run a major Scottish charity, and been involved with the health service, education and social work. "There was a bit of a sigh of relief that I was qualified," she said.

And the leader has certainly put her stamp on the role, tweaking a few traditions to make executive meetings more relaxed. "I call the councillors by their first names. When I first started doing it everyone was a bit shocked. I remember the clerk telling me, you’re supposed to call them councillor."

The council leader admitted the last year had been a learning curve, but she is very much still the same person, only with a "much thicker skin" than she used to have.

She added: "One day you’re at a charity golf day, the next you’re being shown your news office and thrown into council meetings."

Family time and work have intertwined, with Shona bringing her children with her to the opening of a playpark, and to a function at a local rugby club.

Naturally the conversation leads on to political matters, and asking Shona what is important to her, she replied: "I think there has been quite a lot of emphasis in the Borders over the last five to ten years on big capital projects – the new schools, tapestry and all of those kinds of things, whereas I am much more focused on the people. We need to improve the Borders for everyone.

"We were talking about legacy recently and asking what ours would be, what is our big ticket item. People were talking about the tapestry and the Jedburgh Campus. And I stopped them and said our legacy is going to be the people. In particular I am really focussed on teenage mental health and improving this in the Borders as that is a major issue."

She added: "The one thing I have learned in this last year is that you are never going to please everyone. You have to make decisions that affect people’s lives and that is always going to be hard."