Dennis Robertson (politician)
Dennis Robertson | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Member of the Scottish Parliament for Aberdeenshire West | |
| In office 5 May 2011 – 24 March 2016 | |
| Preceded by | new constituency |
| Succeeded by | Alexander Burnett |
| Majority | 4,112 (14.2%) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 14 August 1956[1] |
| Political party | Scottish National Party |
| Spouse | Anne |
Dennis Robertson (born 14 August 1956) is a Scottish politician, and formerly a Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) for Aberdeenshire West constituency 2011–2016. He is a member of the Scottish National Party. He is the first blind MSP to be elected to the Scottish Parliament.[2]
Education and early career[edit]
Robertson was educated at the Royal Blind School in Edinburgh (1968–1974), then studyied social work at Langside College (1981–1983). He worked as a social worker in Greenock from 1979. In 1989 he joined the Guide Dogs for the Blind association based in Forfar, before joining North East Sensory Services in 2005.
Political career[edit]
He was elected to the Scottish Parliament in 2011,[3] after defeating the Liberal Democrat incumbent, Mike Rumbles, by a majority of 4,112 votes. In 2013 he was involved wit ha consultation looking at legislating to crack down on the fraudulent use of blue disabled badges.[4]
He stood again in 2016 but was unseated by Alexander Burnett.
He then stood for local government in 2017.[5] He was elected to Aberdeenshire Council for the Stonehaven and lower Deeside ward.[6]
Personal life[edit]
Robertson has been registered as blind since he was 11. Married to Anne, the couple had two daughters. Their daughter Caroline died in February 2011, from complications arising from anorexia,[7] after Robertson had started election campaigning.[2][8]
References[edit]
- ^ "Personal Information – MSPs : Scottish Parliament". Scottish.parliament.uk. 14 August 1956. Archived from the original on 1 November 2012. Retrieved 17 November 2012.
- ^ a b "Home | News | STV". News. Archived from the original on 12 July 2012. Retrieved 17 November 2012.
- ^ Brocklehurst, Steven (5 May 2011). "Scottish election: As it happened". BBC News. Retrieved 17 November 2012.
- ^ "MSP Robertson consults on blue badge misuse law". BBC News. 22 January 2013. Retrieved 11 October 2020.
- ^ Paterson, Kirsteen (4 March 2017). "Ex-MSP Dennis Robertson is making council comeback with new guide Murphy". The National. Retrieved 11 October 2020.
- ^ "Committee member details: Councillor Dennis Robertson". aberdeenshire.gov.uk. Aberdeen City Council. October 2015. Retrieved 11 October 2020.
- ^ "BBC News – 'My anorexic daughter is now at peace'". Bbc.co.uk. 22 February 2012. Retrieved 17 November 2012.
- ^ "BBC News – MSP whose daughter died of eating disorder leads debate". Bbc.co.uk. 22 February 2012. Retrieved 17 November 2012.
External links[edit]
- Scottish Parliament profiles of MSPs: Dennis Robertson