Cathy Jamieson was born in Kilmarnock and was one of the first pupils to benefit from comprehensive education in Ayrshire. On leaving James Hamilton Academy she went on to study at Glasgow School of Art, graduating with a BA ( Hons ).

She undertook postgraduate study at Goldsmiths College, University of London, specialising in Art Therapy, at Glasgow University where she completed a Diploma in Social Work, and Glasgow Caledonian University, where she obtained a Certificate in Management.

Her career in Social Work included front line social work  teams and specialist projects for young people in trouble, in Glasgow, Renfrewshire and Ayrshire.

In 1992, she became Principal Officer of Who Cares? Scotland, the advocacy organisation for children and young people in residential care. While in this post, she served on the management and advisory boards of a number of child care organisations; contributed to publications and policy development on childrens rights, child care, work with young people who offend, youth work and residential child care.  She also provided inputs to various social care and social work training courses.

On election to the Scottish Parliament in 1999, she initially served on the Transport and Environment Committee, and was Deputy Convenor of the European Committee. She joined the Education Committee during its Inquiry into the SQA, and also spent time on the Rural Affairs Committee. 

In 2001, she was appointed Minister for Education and Young People,  and steered legislation on child protection and reform of the SQA through Parliament, as well as commencing the biggest school building programme in a generation, and modernising Social Work education.

Following the 2003 election, she was appointed Justice Minister, and held this post until May 2007, when the administration changed. In addition to taking a substantial Justice legislative programme  through parliament ( 14 Bills including reform of Courts , vulnerable witnesses, management of offenders, policing,  family  law, legal aid and legal profession, Scottish Commission on Human Rights ) she took a leading role on anti social behaviour, tackling violence and sectarianism and commissioned a major review of Scotland's Civil Justice system.

Cathy was Deputy Leader of Labour in the Scottish Parliament from 2000 until June 2008, when she stood down.  

She was returned as Labour and Co-op MP for  Kilmarnock and Loudoun  at the 2010 General Election, winning the seat with a majority of 12378.

She actively supports a number of causes and local organisations, being a Trustee of the Barony A Frame Trust and a Patron of Cumnock Osteoporosis Group, Girvan Youth Trust and Dalmellington Band.

Married with one son, she lives in the heart of Burns country in Mauchline, and makes no apologies for speaking with an Ayrshire accent! 

Outside of politics, her interests include art, photography, walking, Burns and local history.  A fanatical Kilmarnock F.C. supporter, she also takes a keen interest in the fortunes of Auchinleck Talbot FC.

In addition to regular appearances on political programmes, she has made guest appearances on  'Offside' and ' Off the Ball'