AN SNP MSP has announced their plans to quit the Scottish Parliament after 15 years – saying they will join their constituency in retirement.
Gordon Macdonald, the MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, said that the Boundary Commission’s decision to retire the name of his elected area echoed his own plans.
In a letter to his constituents and shared on social media, Macdonald wrote: “It has been an honour and a privilege to represent the Edinburgh Pentlands constituency over the last fourteen years.
“The Boundary Commission has decided to retire the name of the constituency in May 2026; this will coincide with reaching my own retirement age which I believe is the right time for me to step down from the Scottish Parliament at the forthcoming election.
“I have during my time in office tried to serve you diligently and I am deeply thankful for the trust and support you have extended to me over the years.”
— Gordon Macdonald MSP (@GMacdonaldSNP) February 28, 2025
Macdonald thanked his “office team and party activists, past and present, who have been tireless in their support”, as well as local residents, community groups, and stakeholders in the Pentlands area.
He went on: “As I prepare to leave this role, I commit to using my remaining time to ensure a smooth transition and to continue addressing the issues that matter to us all.
“I have worked tirelessly for 50 years to achieve independence and will continue to campaign for Scotland to join the family of nations. The members of my local branch have been informed of my decision.
“Thank you, once again, for the privilege of serving as your MSP.”
Macdonald is the thirteenth SNP MSP to announce that they will not stand in 2026 – not including the now-independent MSP John Mason, who will also step down.
Three Tory MSPs have also announced that they will not be standing again.
