Highland MSP swaps seat at Holyrood for the Lords

Alister Jack, Secretary of State for Scotland, said: "I welcome Donald Cameron’s appointment at the Scotland Office.

"He is a talented lawyer as well as an experienced parliamentarian. I know Donald will do a great job helping us to deliver on the priorities of people in Scotland."

Originally from Achnacarry in Lochaber, Lord Cameron was educated at the University of Oxford, before working in Washington DC for a think-tank specialising in international relations. Returning to the UK to study law, he qualified as an Advocate at the Scottish Bar in 2005. In October 2023, he succeeded his father as the 28th Lochiel (i.e. hereditary chief) of Clan Cameron.

As an MSP, he campaigned to replace the A83 Rest and Be Thankful, for reliable ferries and broadband, extra teachers, fair funding for councils, and sat on many cross-party groups, most recently joining local MSPs in urging NHS chiefs to reverse blood cancer care cuts at Oban hospital. 

Lord Cameron’s last act as an MSP was to lodge a motion in the Scottish Parliament congratulating the Oban Times for winning Campaign of the Year at the recent Highlands and Islands Media Press Awards.

He said: “The Invest in the West campaign is a classic example of great local journalism which engages readers, motivates local people and makes a genuine difference.

“I’m delighted The Oban Times won the campaigning award - it’s an achievement which deserves to be acknowledged in the country’s parliament.

“I wish the team all the best for the campaign going forward, and look forward to seeing the positive effect it has on the whole community.”

The motion noted the ‘Invest in the West’ campaign, launched in July 2023, has been "calling on the Scottish Government to increase funding for Argyll and Bute, Lochaber, and island communities hurt by recent budget cuts; recognises that this campaign has also called for an improved focus on the specific needs of communities across the West Highlands and islands, such as investments in ferries, transport infrastructure, and affordable housing; acknowledges that the ‘Invest in the West’ campaign will continue to fight to secure a better investment deal for all local residents and businesses across the region."

It wished The Oban Times team the best of luck with the continuation and success of their campaign.