Biography

Alan Reid entered Parliament at his fourth attempt in 2001, holding this Liberal Democrat seat.

Alan Reid was educated at Ayr Academy, the University of Strathclyde and Bell College. Before entering Parliament, he was a Computer Project Manager at Glasgow University; he is a member of the Association of University Teachers (AUT). His interests include chess [he is reputedly Parliament’s most accomplished player], walking and reading.

Alan was Renfrew District Councillor from 1988-96; he served as Vice-Convener, Scottish Liberal Democrats 1994-8, Election Agent for Argyll & Bute, 1999, and a Member of the Scottish Party Executive to 2003.

In 2005 he joined the Department of Trade & Industry team. He was a Junior Whip and Scottish Spokesperson on Common Fisheries Policy Reform, 2001-05, and a member of the Select Committees on Broadcasting, 2001-05.