Biography of Robert Brown MSP

Robert is the Liberal Democrat Spokesperson on Justice with special responsibility for promoting civil liberties (including Human Rights issues). He is also a member of the Justice Committee and the Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee of the Scottish Parliament. Robert was the Deputy Minister for Education and Young People. Prior to this appointment Robert was Convenor of the Education Committee of the Scottish Parliament. He was also a member of the Scottish Parliament Corporate Body, the management group of the Parliament until 2005.

Robert Brown was the Convenor of the Scottish Liberal Democrat Policy Committee until 2007 and was responsible for their 1997, 1999, 2001, 2003 and 2007 Manifestos. Robert was elected as the first Liberal Councillor on Glasgow District Council in 1977 and was Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group from 1977-1992. He was Liberal or Liberal Democrat candidate for Rutherglen in the October 1974, 1979, 1983, 1987, and 1997 general elections and the Scottish Elections of 1999. He was first elected as regional Liberal Democrat MSP for Glasgow in 1999.

Born in Newcastle-upon-Tyne in 1947, Robert Brown attended The Gordon Schools, Huntly, Aberdeenshire. He studied at Aberdeen University where he obtained 1st Class Honours in Law. Robert is a Solicitor and was senior Civil Partner with Ross Harper & Murphy Solicitors, Glasgow prior to his election.

Robert Brown lives in Rutherglen with his wife and has a grown up daughter and son. He is a member of the Law Society of Scotland, and Honorary President of Overtoun Park Bowling Club. He has served two 5 year terms as Chair of Rutherglen & Cambuslang Citizens' Advice Bureau.

Cross Party Groups in the Scottish Parliament Robert is a member of

Convener Cross-Party Group on Visual Impairment.

Co-Convener Cross-Party Group on Children and Young People.

Cross-Party Group on Tobacco Control.

Cross-Party Group on Epilepsy.

Cross-Party Group on Asthma.

Cross-Party Group on Construction.

Cross-Party Group on Deafness.

Cross-Party Group on Human Rights.

Cross-Party Group on Oil and Gas.

Interests

Register of Members Interests.