Biography

Robert Brown has been the Liberal Democrat MSP for Glasgow Region since 1999 . He is the Liberal Democrat Spokesperson on Justice with special responsibility for promoting civil liberties, including Human Rights issues. He is a member of the Justice Committee and the Scotland Bill Committee of the Scottish Parliament. He is also the Liberal Democrat Spokesperson on Constitutional Affairs. Robert was previously 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 , from 1999 until 2005.

Robert was the Convenor of the Scottish Liberal Democrat Policy Committee from 2003 to 2007 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 was 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.