Mark McDonald selected as SNP Donside candidate

Aberdeen Donside Constituency Association have tonight selected North East MSP Mark McDonald as the SNP's candidate for the forthcoming by-election on the 20th of June.

Mr McDonald was brought up in the constituency, attended Dyce Academy and lives in Aberdeen Donside with his wife and two young children. Prior to becoming an MSP, Mr McDonald represented Dyce, Bucksburn & Danestone on being elected an Aberdeen City councillor in 2007.

Mr McDonald paid tribute to his ‘friend and mentor' Brian Adam, and said his priority if elected as MSP for Aberdeen Donside would be to follow in Brian's footsteps as a strong local voice that the community can trust to fight their corner locally and speak up for them nationally.

Speaking after the selection meeting, Mark McDonald said:

“Brian Adam was my friend, my colleague and my mentor – I owe a huge amount to him, and I am honoured to have been given this opportunity to continue his legacy of achievement for the people of Aberdeen Donside.

“One of the things Brian always said was never promise to do anything other than your best. I wholeheartedly make that pledge to the people of Aberdeen Donside, and if elected I will do my very best to live up to the outstanding representation they received from him.

“Brian Adam played a central role in the successful campaign to retain neuro-surgery and children’s specialist services at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, and helped deliver millions more funding for the city. He was an outstanding politician, with a lifelong commitment to independence, and a true servant of the people.

“Over the next few weeks I intend to speak to as many residents of Aberdeen Donside as possible, and ask them to place their trust in me to stand up for them and be a strong local voice at Holyrood.”

Mr McDonald will notify the Presiding Officer of his resignation as a list MSP for the North East region with immediate effect, in order to contest the Aberdeen Donside by-election. His seat will be taken by Christian Allard – a seafood exporter and part-time constituency assistant to Dennis Robertson MSP – who is expected to be sworn in this week.