Brian Adam facts for kids

Brian James Adam (born 10 June 1948 – died 25 April 2013) was a Scottish politician and a biochemist. He was a very important person in the Scottish Parliament. From 2011 to 2012, he served as the Minister for Parliamentary Business and Chief Whip.

Brian Adam was a member of the Scottish National Party (SNP). He was a Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) for many years, from 1999 until he passed away in 2013. He represented different areas of Scotland during his time as an MSP. These included the North East Scotland region, and later the Aberdeen North and Aberdeen Donside areas.

From 2007 to 2011, he was the Chief Whip for the SNP Government. This role is like a team captain who makes sure all party members vote together. He also helped lead a group that looked at oil and gas in Scotland.

Early Life and Career

Becoming a Scientist

Brian James Adam was born on 10 June 1948 in a place called Newmill, near Keith, Moray in Scotland. He went to Keith Grammar School. After school, he studied at the University of Aberdeen. He earned degrees in Biochemistry and Clinical Pharmacology. Biochemistry is the study of the chemical processes that happen inside living things.

He started his career working for a company called Glaxo from 1970 to 1973. After that, he worked as a biochemist at City Hospital, Aberdeen for many years. From 1988, he became a main biochemist in the National Health Service at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.

Starting in Politics

Brian Adam joined the Scottish National Party (SNP) in 1974. Before becoming an MSP, he was also a trade union activist. This means he worked to protect the rights of workers.

He was a local councillor for Aberdeen District Council and later Aberdeen City Council. He served as a councillor for three terms, helping to make decisions for his local community. In 1997, he tried to become a Member of the UK Parliament, but he didn't win that election.

Serving in the Scottish Parliament

In 1999, Scotland held its first election for the new Scottish Parliament. Brian Adam ran for the Aberdeen North seat. He didn't win that specific seat by a small number of votes. However, he was still elected as an MSP for the North East Scotland region. This is because some MSPs are chosen from a regional list to make sure different parties are represented.

In the 2003 election, he ran for the Aberdeen North seat again. This time, he won! He kept this seat in the 2007 election. In 2011, his area was renamed Aberdeen Donside, and he won that seat too, with even more support.

Brian Adam sadly passed away on 25 April 2013, after a long illness. The First Minister at the time, Alex Salmond, spoke highly of him. He said Brian Adam was "an outstanding politician, fine human being and a dear friend."

Personal Life

Brian Adam lived in Aberdeen with his wife, Dorothy. They had five children and three grandchildren. He was also an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Outside of politics, he was a big fan of Aberdeen Football Club and often went to their games.

Key Roles in Parliament

During his time as an MSP, Brian Adam held several important roles:

• From 1999 to 2003, he was a Deputy Whip and Deputy Business Manager.
• From 2003 to 2004, he was a spokesperson for education and tourism for his party.
• In June 2003, he became the leader of the Standards Committee, which makes sure MSPs follow rules.
• From May 2007, he served as the Chief Whip.
• From May 2011 to September 2012, he was the Minister for Parliamentary Business and Chief Whip. This meant he was in charge of how the Parliament ran its daily business.

See also

• Government of the 4th Scottish Parliament