Biography

Robert was the Deputy Minister for Education and Young People until 2007. Prior to this appointment Robert was Convenor of the Education Committee of the Parliament and the Liberal Democrat spokesperson on Education and Young People. He was also a member of the Scottish Parliament Corporate Body, the management group of the Parliament until 2005.

Robert Brown is Convenor of the Scottish Liberal Democrat Policy Committee and was responsible for their 1997, 1999, 2001 and 2003 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 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.