Dennis Robertson (politician)

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]

Dennis Robertson
Member of the Scottish Parliament
for Aberdeenshire West
In office
5 May 2011 – 24 March 2016
Preceded bynew constituency
Succeeded byAlexander Burnett
Majority4,112 (14.2%)
Personal details
Born (1956-08-14) 14 August 1956[1]
Political partyScottish National Party
Spouse(s)Anne

Education and early career

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

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

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
  1. "Personal Information – MSPs : Scottish Parliament". Scottish.parliament.uk. 14 August 1956. Archived from the original on 1 November 2012. Retrieved 17 November 2012.
  2. "Home | News | STV". News. Archived from the original on 12 July 2012. Retrieved 17 November 2012.
  3. Brocklehurst, Steven (5 May 2011). "Scottish election: As it happened". BBC News. Retrieved 17 November 2012.
  4. "MSP Robertson consults on blue badge misuse law". BBC News. 22 January 2013. Retrieved 11 October 2020.
  5. Paterson, Kirsteen (4 March 2017). "Ex-MSP Dennis Robertson is making council comeback with new guide Murphy". The National. Retrieved 11 October 2020.
  6. "Committee member details: Councillor Dennis Robertson". aberdeenshire.gov.uk. Aberdeen City Council. Retrieved 11 October 2020.
  7. "BBC News – 'My anorexic daughter is now at peace'". Bbc.co.uk. 22 February 2012. Retrieved 17 November 2012.
  8. "BBC News – MSP whose daughter died of eating disorder leads debate". Bbc.co.uk. 22 February 2012. Retrieved 17 November 2012.
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