Tavish Scott to stand down as MSP

Tavish Scott (Photo: tavishscott.com)

Former leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats, Tavish Scott, is to step down from his role as an MSP after 20 years of representing Shetland at Holyrood.

Scott was one of the first intake of MSPs and served as Minister for Transport in the Lab-Lib Dem coalition prior to becoming leader in 2008.

His leadership came to an end following the disastrous performance of the Scottish Liberal Democrats in the 2011 Holyrood elections. The widely held view is that the Scottish party suffered unfairly for the Liberal Democrats' Westminster coalition with the Conservatives, although my own belief is that difficulties closer to home were also partly responsible. Tavish's lack of success as leader should not overshadow the degree to which he has always been - and remains - a passionate advocate for his constituents and community.

In 2016, Tavish increased his majority to 4.895 - underlining his standing within Shetland and the personal vote he attracted. There were times when I disagreed with him - most obviously on the question of Northern Isles separatism. His idea that Shetland should become a crown dependency seemed absurd to me on many levels (and still does). But he recognised that Edinburgh seemed as remote from Shetland as does Westminster, and was always a champion of local autonomy.

His love for Shetland and its residents comes across in the statement he made today: "Representing the people of Shetland has been my life for 20 years. It has been an enormous privilege and honour to have been Shetland’s MSP since the Scottish Parliament opened in 1999.

“I want to thank people the length and breadth of the islands for their support over the years. The bread and butter of representing people is helping solve problems and making their case to government, organisations and businesses. I have always enjoyed the challenge of serving Shetland and it is the part of the job that I will, without doubt, miss the most."

Jo Swinson paid tribute to the former Scottish leader, saying: "For the last 20 years, Tavish Scott has superbly represented the people of Shetland, and I want to thank him for all that he has done for his community and for the Scottish Liberal Democrats." Willie Rennie added that Tavish had been "a loyal servant of the Liberal Democrats and the people of Shetland".

Tavish is set to take up a new role as head of external affairs at Scottish Rugby in August. I naturally wish him well in his new role.

There will, of course, now be a by-election in Shetland for the first time ever (unless we count the uncontested Orkney and Shetland by-election of 1921). It is the Liberal Democrats' safest seat in any parliament, but in a place where the candidate matters more than party affiliation nothing can be taken for granted. I trust the local party will select a strong candidate with good local links, and that Willie Rennie will use the by-election to make a few more videos with assorted farm animals in the background...