Robin Harper facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robin Harper
FRSSA
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Harper in 2008
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| Member of the Scottish Parliament for Lothians (1 of 7 Regional MSPs) |
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| In office 6 May 1999 – 22 March 2011 |
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| Lord Rector of the University of Aberdeen | |
| In office July 2005 – July 2008 |
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| Preceded by | Clarissa Dickson Wright |
| Succeeded by | Stephen Robertson |
| Lord Rector of the University of Edinburgh | |
| In office March 2000 – March 2003 |
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| Preceded by | John Colquhoun |
| Succeeded by | Tam Dalyell |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Robin Charles Moreton Harper
4 August 1940 Thurso, Caithness, Scotland |
| Political party | Labour (2024–present) |
| Other political affiliations |
Independent (2023–2024) Scottish Greens (1985–2023) |
| Alma mater | University of Aberdeen |
| Profession | Teacher |
| Website | robinharper.wordpress.com |
Robin Charles Moreton Harper (born 4 August 1940) is a Scottish politician. He was a Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) for the Lothians area from 1999 to 2011.
He was also a leader of the Scottish Greens political party from 2004 to 2008. Robin Harper became an MSP in 1999. He was the first person from the Green Party to be elected to a parliament in the United Kingdom.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Robin Harper was born in Thurso, Caithness, Scotland. He went to school at St Marylebone Grammar School and Elgin Academy, Moray. In 1962, he finished his studies at the University of Aberdeen.
After university, he worked as an English teacher in Kenya. Later, he taught Modern Studies at Boroughmuir High School in Edinburgh. He also helped out in his community. He was part of the Lothian Children's Panel from 1985 to 1988. He was also on the Lothian Health Council from 1993 to 1998.
Political Journey
Robin Harper joined the Scottish branch of the Ecology Party in 1985. At that time, the party was very small. He quickly became a key leader as the party grew. It later became the UK-wide Green Party and then the independent Scottish Greens.
He ran for election several times before 1999 but did not win. He was a Green candidate in a special election in Perth and Kinross and in the UK general election for Edinburgh Pentlands.
Becoming an MSP
In 1999, Robin Harper ran in the first ever Scottish Parliament election. He was elected as an additional member for the Lothians region. This made him the first Green Party member to be elected to a parliament in British history.
He gave an emotional speech, promising to speak up for the environment in the new Scottish Parliament. He was the only Green Party member in the Parliament until the 2003 election. After that election, the Scottish Green Party won six more seats.
When he was sworn in, he promised to serve the people of Scotland. He was the Green Party's spokesperson for education and young people. In 2004, he was part of the Scottish Parliament team on the TV quiz show University Challenge: The Professionals. His team won against a team from the Welsh Assembly.
Later Years in Parliament
In 2007, Robin Harper was re-elected as an MSP for the Lothians. He was one of only two Green Party members elected that year. The Green Party made an agreement with the Scottish National Party. As part of this deal, the Green MSPs voted for Alex Salmond to become First Minister of Scotland. However, the Greens did not join a formal partnership with the Scottish National Party.
Robin Harper decided not to run for re-election in 2011.
After Leaving Parliament
After leaving Parliament, Robin Harper continued to be active. In 2011, his autobiography, Dear Mr. Harper, was published. He wrote it with journalist Fred Bridgland.
In September 2014, he became the chairman of the Scottish Wildlife Trust. He held this role for three years.
In 2013, Robin Harper said he would vote "no" in the 2014 referendum on Scottish independence. He also said he would help the Better Together campaign. He believed that a "significant minority" of Greens were against independence.
In August 2021, he shared his concerns about an agreement the Greens made with the government. He felt his party could have done more on issues like North Sea oil and marine protection.
In September 2022, he joined the board of Our Scottish Future. This is a think tank that supports the union of the UK.
In August 2023, he announced that he had left the Scottish Green Party. He mentioned differences of opinion on independence and the party's direction. He also said he planned to vote for the Labour Party in the next election. In June 2024, he officially joined the Labour Party. He stated that he joined because of their plans for climate change and their ability to win against the Conservatives.
Other Roles and Interests
Robin Harper is married and has one stepson. He has supported many organizations. He was a patron of LGBT Youth Scotland, which helps young lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people in Scotland. He was also an Honorary Vice-President of English-Speaking Union Scotland.
He served as Rector of the University of Edinburgh from 2000 to 2003. He was also an Honorary President of the Edinburgh University Savoy Opera Group. In 2005, he was elected as Rector of the University of Aberdeen. From 2008 to 2011, he was President of the Royal Scottish Society of Arts.
Images for kids
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Harper in 2008
