In just the last five years Zara has developed and delivered a branch of Tree of Knowledge focused on youth and community, was a programme manager for Columba 1400, was Vice Chair for Fallin Community Enterprises, was a ‘Thinking Together’ Assembly Co-Ordinator for So Say Scotland, and has run as a Scottish Green Party Candidate in multiple elections.

In 2013 she set up her own business, Dream Graft, offering support, communications, consultancy, etc. for other businesses and communities going through change. She was a Trustee Board Member for Creative Stirling and is a Steward for So Say Scotland. She’s also an Executive Assistant for LGBT Youth Scotland, and is a member of The Young European Collective (a group of 12 who recently published the brilliant wee book Who if Not Us?)

Although she studied public policy at uni, Zara – who hails from a small town near Stirling – has a background in youth work and community work rather than politics proper. After a hustings in May 2012, Zara was approached by MSP Mark Ruskell, who encouraged her to get involved in politics. Zara went from someone who’d never really been interested in politics to running as a candidate to be councillor – and then to be an MP – and then to be an MSP. Although her bid to join the Scottish Parliament wasn’t successful this time around, Zara is very clear that it’s not something that will hold her back.