David Stewart (Scottish politician)

David Stewart is a Scottish Labour politician who served as a Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) for the Highlands and Islands region from 1999 to 2021.

Stewart was born on February 26, 1956. Prior to entering politics, he worked in various roles including as a social worker and in the construction industry.

He was first elected to the Scottish Parliament in 1999 and consistently re-elected until his retirement in 2021. During his time in Parliament, Stewart served on several committees, including those related to rural affairs, environment, and justice. He was known for his advocacy on issues affecting the Highlands and Islands, particularly those related to transport, healthcare access, and rural poverty. He often raised concerns about the challenges faced by remote communities and sought to improve services for those living in the region.

Stewart was a strong advocate for road safety and campaigned extensively for improvements to the A9, a major trunk road in the Highlands. He also worked on issues relating to ferry services and the cost of fuel in rural areas.

In February 2020, Stewart announced his intention to retire from the Scottish Parliament at the 2021 election.