Bill Aitken: The MSP says he is looking forward to playing more golf next year. Pic: © STV
Veteran Scots Tory politician Bill Aitken has revealed he plans to stand down at the next Holyrood election.
The Glasgow MSP, who has served since the opening of the Scottish Parliament, said it is "time to move on", admitting he is looking forward to playing more golf after Scotland goes to the polls next year.
Mr Aitken was a city councillor in Glasgow for 20 years and is the only Conservative to be elected to serve the city in the Scottish Parliament. Over the past decade, he has become one of the most well-known faces in Holyrood, convening the Parliament's high-profile Justice Committee as well as acting as his party's justice spokesperson.
However, on Wednesday he revealed that he felt it was time to let someone else take the reigns.
The 63-year-old said: "I don't want to hang about. Once you've done all you can do, it's time to move on.
"I've firmly enjoyed my council service and parliamentary service. But it's time to go."
Mr Aitken highlighted the fact he would be 67 by the time he had served another four-year term and admitted he would prefer to turn his attentions to other interests.
The MSP, who was born and bred in Glasgow, said: "I've always wanted to play golf but never had the time. I don't preclude the possibility of doing some work if someone wants me to, and then there's outdoor pursuits and maybe some charity work.
"I've particularly enjoyed representing Glasgow. I have a very real love of Glasgow."
Mr Aitken told his Conservative colleagues of his plans at a meeting on Tuesday night, prompting Scots leader Annabel Goldie to pay tribute to his parliamentary and personal record.
Ms Goldie said: "Bill is a great personal friend, a standard bearer for the party and an outstanding champion for the people of the city he loves, Glasgow.
"I know he will always continue to fight the Conservative cause, and when the beach beckons in 12 months' time, he will be able to look back with pride on 35 years of remarkable dedication and selfless public service."
