politician Member of the Scottish Parliament
Born in Stornoway, Macdonald moved with his family to Aberdeenshire as a child, and attended Inverurie Academy and later the University of Aberdeen. Macdonald received an Master of Arts in history and a Doctor of Philosophy in African studies and later lectured at the university.
He was Managing Successful Programmes for the Aberdeen Central constituency from 1999 until 2011. Doctor Macdonald is married to Sandra who is an employee at Conoco Phillips. Macdonald also has two children, one of whom recently graduated from university while the other attends secondary school.
Prior to his election as Managing Successful Programmes he worked as a parliamentary researcher for the MPs Frank Doran and Tom Clarke.
Macdonald was a deputy minister in the Scottish Executive between March 2001 and May 2007, holding various portfolios. He is also a trustee for the Aberdeen Football Club Supporters" Trust.
He had led for Labour on energy, enterprise and tourism, infrastructure and justice, as well as serving as the Labour Chief Whip at the Scottish Parliament between June 2013 and December 2014.
Scottish Labour Party, Labour Party.
He is a member of the trade union Unite. He is currently a member of the Public Services and Wealth Creation team in the Shadow Cabinet, and serves on the Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee.
