Rob Gibson to stand down next year
Rob Gibson SNP MSP for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross has announced that he will not be contesting the Scottish Election in May 2016. He has given notice to the Constituency Association and to the Chief Whip in Holyrood.
Commenting on his decision to stand down as MSP, Rob said: “I have relished the opportunity to represent people across the Highlands and particularly in my huge north mainland constituency. It has been an honour to ensure that I was their voice in Holyrood since 2003.
“As I reach the age of 70 in October this year I believe it is time to hand over the banner to a younger candidate. There are many high notes to recall and of course moments of regret. Standing down is such a moment as it the greatest privilege to be entrusted by voters to speak up for them in our national parliament at Holyrood.
“I hope to commit more of my ideas on land reform to paper in due course. I also hope to support the SNP in its continued quest to see Scotland free to take all the decisions our people need to achieve, peace, health and prosperity.”
Rob has served in the front line of the SNP since first contesting Inverness-shire in the February 1974 General Election. Thereafter he contested Ross, Cromarty and Skye in 1987 which became Ross, Skye and Inverness West in 1992 contest.
He was elected as a District Councillor for Tulloch Ward, Dingwall in December 1988 and returned in 1992 until the abolition of the district councils in 1996
Rob was selected to fight Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross in 2003 and 2007. Though he was unsuccessful at the constituency poll he was elected in 2003 to be an SNP Regional MSP for Highlands and Islands which he continued to represent till 2011 when he was elected MSP for the expanded Caithness, Sutherland and Ross seat.
