The Liberal Democrat MSP Jamie Stone has announced that he is to stand down from the Scottish Parliament at the next Scottish election.

“After serving in the Scottish Parliament for almost 12 years, and as a local councillor for 13 years before that, I have decided it is time to pursue new avenues,” Stone said today.

He continued:

“I have found my years of public service hugely rewarding and have made friendships that I am certain will last for many years to come.  However there are some new challenges that I would like to tackle while I am in my mid fifties and fit and well.”

While he said he does not rule out political work at some stage in the future, he wants to take the opportunity to do something completely different.

He added:

“In standing down next May, one thing remains, and I treasure it – to have been the first Member for nearly 300 years to represent the Far North in the Scottish Parliament has been the honour of my life.”

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Tavish Scott paid tribute to Stone, calling him a “great friend and Parliamentary colleague.”

He continued:

“We shared a passion for Scotland's Parliament since representing our respective local authorities on the Scottish Constitutional Convention in the 1990's. Then we both hoped to be part of the start of Scotland's new Parliament. Since that fist day after election in 1999 many a moment has been enlivened by a Jamie Stone story or sharp political observation, often at the expense of his own side!”

Scott said that he would miss Stone’s “cheerfulness” and “candour”.

“Jamie's work ensured that Parliament was no creature of the central belt and truly reflected all of Scotland. From Wick's maternity services to the Berridale Braes and the A9, Jamie has put the people of the Far North first. I will miss his cheerfulness, candour and dedication to his constituents and wish him and Flora best wishes for their future endeavours."

Stone, who is married with one son and two daughters, was born in Edinburgh in 1954. He attended St Andrew’s University and has previously worked as an English teacher in Sicily, a fish gutter, and director of Highland Fine Cheeses before being elected to Highland Council in 1995 and the Scottish Parliament in 1999.