kids encyclopedia robot

Donald Gorrie facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Donald Gorrie
Donald Gorrie.jpg
Member of the Scottish Parliament
for Central Scotland
(1 of 7 Regional MSPs)
In office
6 May 1999 – 2 April 2007
Preceded by New Parliament
Succeeded by Hugh O'Donnell
Member of Parliament
for Edinburgh West
In office
1 May 1997 – 14 May 2001
Preceded by Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
Succeeded by John Barrett
Personal details
Born
Donald Cameron Easterbrook Gorrie

(1933-04-02)2 April 1933
India
Died 25 August 2012(2012-08-25) (aged 79)
Edinburgh, Scotland
Nationality British
Political party Liberal Democrat
Spouse Astrid Gorrie

Donald Cameron Easterbrook Gorrie (born April 2, 1933 – died August 25, 2012) was a Scottish politician. He was a member of the Liberal Democrat party. Donald Gorrie served as a Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) for the Central Scotland area from 1999 to 2007. Before that, he was a Member of Parliament (MP) in the British Parliament for Edinburgh West from 1997 to 2001.

About Donald Gorrie's Life

Donald Gorrie went to Oundle School and then Corpus Christi College, Oxford university. At university, he studied ancient Greek and Roman history, along with modern history. When he was younger, he was a talented athlete. He even held the Scottish record for the 880 yards race. In 1957, he won both the 880 yards and mile races at the Canadian Track and Field Championships. Donald was married to Astrid, and they had two sons and several grandchildren. His son, Robert Gorrie, also became involved in politics as a Liberal Democrat councillor in London.

Donald Gorrie's Early Career in Politics

Donald Gorrie started his career as a schoolteacher. Later, he became the Secretary of the Scottish Liberal Party. In 1971, he became a local politician, known as a city councillor, in Edinburgh. He served on different councils in Edinburgh and the surrounding area for many years, from 1971 to 1997. During this time, he tried four times to become an MP for Edinburgh West. He finally won the election in 1997, becoming an MP in the UK Parliament.

Serving in the Scottish Parliament

Donald Gorrie had a big dream: he wanted to see a Scottish Parliament created and to be a part of it. When the Scottish Parliament was set up after a special vote in 1997, he decided to leave the UK Parliament. He had only served one term as an MP. He wanted to stand for election to the new Scottish Parliament instead.

In 1999, he was elected as a Liberal Democrat MSP for the Central Scotland region. He officially retired from the UK Parliament in 2001.

Donald Gorrie's Political Views

Donald Gorrie was known for being a strong and independent politician. He always stuck to his liberal beliefs. He often disagreed with the Labour Party, feeling they were too controlling. He believed in big political changes and wanted more money spent on public services like schools and hospitals.

Sometimes, his strong views put him at odds with his own party's leaders. For example, he was one of only three Liberal Democrat MSPs who voted against forming a partnership with the Labour Party after the 1999 elections. He felt he was just following what the Liberal Democrats had promised in their election plan.

Second Term and Key Campaigns

After being re-elected as an MSP in 2003, Donald Gorrie focused on specific issues he cared about. He became known for speaking out about the rising costs and problems with the Holyrood building project. He also started an important campaign against sectarianism in Scotland. This means he worked to stop unfair treatment or hatred between different groups, especially religious ones.

At first, his campaign against sectarianism was controversial. But eventually, it became a major issue. The First Minister, Jack McConnell, even took up the cause and tried to pass new laws to deal with it.

Donald Gorrie retired from the Scottish Parliament in 2007. He was respected for always sticking to his principles and for his long service to liberal politics in Scotland.

kids search engine
Donald Gorrie Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.