Ray Michie
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Ray Michie, Baroness Michie of Gallanach (born 4 February, 1934) in Scotland, was a Liberal Democrat member of the British House of Commons for Argyll and Bute and is a member of the House of Lords.
Michie lives in Oban and is married to a Consultant Physician, with whom she has three daughters. She attended the Aberdeen High School for Girls; Lansdowne House School, Edinburgh; and Edinburgh College of Speech Therapy.
Michie entered politics and became the vice-Chairman of the Scottish Liberal Party. In June 1987 she was elected to the House of Commons, while being the Area Speech Therapist for the Argyll and Clyde Health Board. In 1991 she became Chairperson of the Scottish Liberal Democrats, holding this post until 1993. She served as the Liberal Democrat spokesperson on Scottish Affairs, being a strong advocate of Home Rule for Scotland and the promotion of and development of Gaelic language. She is a member of An comunn Gaidhealach, the National Farmers' Union of Scotland and the Scottish Crofters Union and was a participant in the early days of the Constitutional Convention.
In 1992 Michie became a member of the House of Commons Select Committee on Scottish Affairs. In 1997 she was appointed by the Speaker to the Chairman's Panel. Later she also became a joint Vice-Chairperson of the Parliamentary Group on the Whisky Industry.
At different points in her career, she attained the posts of:
- Vice-President of the Royal College of Speech and Language therapists
- Honorary Associate of the National Council of Women of Great Britain
- Honorary President of Clyde Fishermen's Association.
Michie stood down from Parliament at the 2001 General Election, being replaced by Alan Reid. Michie was made a life peer, at which time she became the first Peer to pledge the oath of allegance in Gaelic when being introduced to the Lords.