Catherine Stihler

Catherine Stihler (born 30 July 1973) is a British Labour Party politician. She has been a Member of the European Parliament for Scotland since 1999, being re-elected in 2004, 2009 and 2014. She is currently the only female MEP representing Scotland. In October 2014, she was elected as Rector for the University of St Andrews.

Early and personal life

Born as Catherine Dalling Taylor, Stihler was educated at Coltness High School, later going on to the University of St Andrews where she gained an MA with joint honours in International Relations and Geography and a postgraduate MLitt in International Security Studies.

While at St Andrews she was elected President of the Students' Association, serving from 1994 to 1995. She also served on the Scottish Executive Committee of the Labour Party from 1993 to 1995 and was the Young Labour delegate to the National Executive Committee from 1995 to 1997. While a postgraduate student she stood in the Angus constituency at the 1997 general election.