Maybe I am too keen on stereotypes.

But, "can I get an Irn-Bru please?" was not the first words I expected to hear from the lips of Gavin Brown, the Conservative MSP representing the Lothians, as we settled down to lunch. Orange juice – likely.  Bitter lemon – possibly. But certainly not Irn-Bru. 

Then again, Gavin isn't your typical Tory MSP though - a glance at his well maintained website shows that he is a Scottish champion at Tae Kwon-Do, rather than, say, equestrian pursuits that are perhaps more befitting of the general image of Scotland's third party. Whilst some of the constituents he has helped say on his website that he has a 'striking resemblance' to Keifer Sutherland – I can only disagree. 

He does come across young, dynamic and ambitious though. Currently he is sitting in the Scottish Parliament as a result of the proportional representation electoral system used in Scotland. He has so far been unsuccessful contesting the Edinburgh South seat, however, under the 'party list' system in place, he is nominated by his party to take one of a number of extra seats set aside in Lothian for parties with enough votes. I assume that this suits him just fine. No definite constituents. No surgeries. No community centre openings. He has the freedom to tackle the big political issues without guilt, and leave the minutia to the directly-elected MSPs. But, he tells me that he will be fighting harder than ever to win the Edinburgh South seat at the next election.

He says, "Technically speaking I have exactly the same job as the constituency MSPs, but I can't truthfully tell you that I am quite as happy being elected though the list system as I would be by being elected directly." Many would be happy with their lot, but Gavin (pictured, below) has a desire for self improvement, to win in the undeniable theatre of a constituency – to be a man of the people.

When I learn that he was the founder of the training firm Speak With Impact, I am not surprised. He has that knack for story telling and speaking clearly and simply. He is affable and decent. There is no discernable 'front' – I believe I am getting the real man.

We turn to politics and I ask, "Do the Tories actually have any sway in Scotland?"  Gavin is quick to prove the 'yes' case.

"We achieved three concessions in the recent budget vote," he says. "Business rates for small businesses are to be cut by 80%, there will be 500 extra police on the beat and there will be a proper and coherent drugs strategy for Scotland. These were our deal breaker issues.

"Our support for the proposed budget was conditional on these issues being dealt with" he says.  That is quite impressive. It appears that the fact that there is now no majority coalition means that the Conservatives have a greater scope to influence policy.

I decide to press on the independent Scotland question. Gavin responds, "It was a manifesto commitment that we would not allow a referendum on independence. If we were to allow it we would be breaking our promises to the electorate. We do not support independence but that doesn't necessarily mean that we won't support a referendum in future parliaments. But for this session we cannot and will not support a referendum, it goes against our manifesto commitment."

I decide to open the floor up to them to talk about the local issues they are campaigning on.  I sense there is not enough time to cover everything they are doing.  Gavin begins. "The Edinburgh South constituency looks likely to lose five post offices. We are campaigning against this. Post offices are important to many groups of people, particularly the elderly."

I ask about the plans to reopen the South Suburban rail link.

"Conceptually I have been in favour of this for a couple of years now. We need to see and study the report to understand its viability. The Lib Dems are keen no matter what – they just want to do it. I will be deciding my position on the basis of the report and the expense versus tangible benefit."

Lastly, Gavin turns to the issue of schools in Edinburgh South. "The administration had plans to close twenty-two schools and nurseries," he says, "and we have campaigned against this and it looks as though this issue has gone away for the meantime. They based their assessment of need on historic information. The population is now growing rapidly again and any decision to close schools at this time will have serious ramifications further down the line."