SCOTTISH Conservative MSP Cameron Buchanan has announced he will stand down at the 2016 Holyrood elections.
The Edinburgh and Lothians MSP and local government spokesman is retiring because “he wants to give new candidates a fair chance of standing for the Scottish Parliament.”
Buchanan has had a long and varied career. He took over from Magnus Magnusson to become Honorary Consul for Iceland in 1992 to 2012.
He also ran his own successful tweed company George Harrison & Co in Edinburgh.
A former chairman of the North Edinburgh and Leith Scottish Conservative branch, Cameron decided to get involved after the 1997 Conservative defeat in Westminster.
Scottish Conservative Cameron Buchanan said: “There’s a lot of new blood in the party and a new talent waiting in the wings, so it’s time to give others a chance.
“I’m also looking forward to spending more time with my family – if they’ll have me.
“I’ve been a member of the Scottish Conservatives for a very long time and have followed politics from a young age. So it was great to be given the chance to become a politician and make a difference.
“I will certainly miss the hustle and bustle of Holyrood. However, I will still remain glued to what is happening in the political world.
“It goes without saying that I will continue to work hard for my local constituents on local issues right up until the election in 2016.”
Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson said: “I’d like to thank Cameron for stepping up in the most difficult of circumstances following the death of David McLetchie.
“He brought a wealth of experience to Holyrood and served with enthusiasm and humour.
“I wish him all the very best for the future.”
