David Whitton was educated at Morgan Academy in Dundee.

He began his journalistic career with DC Thomson in 1970 before moving to the Fife Free Press and then the Evening Express in Aberdeen, specialising in local government activities.  David worked at The Scotsman in Glasgow for three years then moved to the Daily Record where he became Industrial Editor in 1983.

From 1986-1996, David worked at Scottish Television in a variety of roles including producer of news and current affairs programmes, Lobby Correspondent at Westminster, presenter of political programming and on screen news reporter.  He was Head of Public Affairs from 1994-1996.  David’s time at Scottish Television was followed by a short period as a Director of the PR Company, Media House.

In 1999 David became Special Adviser to the then Scottish Secretary, Donald Dewar.  David was a member of Scottish Labour Party’s Scottish Parliament election campaign responsible for organising broadcasting coverage and media activity for the Party leader.

Following the first Scottish Parliament elections, David became Special Adviser to the First Minister and Official Spokesman for the First Minister and the Scottish Executive.

In 2000, David established his own public affairs consultancy with clients including Scottish Enterprise, The Scottish Council for Development and Industry, The Al‑Maktoum Institute for Arabic and Islamic Studies.  During this period, he was also a member of the committee raising funds for the Donald Dewar chair of Social Justice.

David was elected to the Scottish Parliament in May 2007 for the constituency of Strathkelvin & Bearsden.  He is a member of the Finance Committee, a member of the Labour Trade Union Group, and a Board member of the Scottish Parliamentary Business Exchange.

Member for:
Strathkelvin and Bearsden

Party:
Scottish Labour

Date of Birth:
22 April 1952

Place of Birth:
Forfar, Scotland

Family Information:
Married

Trade Union/Professional Membership:
National Union of Journalists

Education:
Morgan Academy, Dundee 1963 – 70
Forest Hill School, London, 1963
Rathfern Road Primary, London, 1957 - 63


Career History:
Managing Director Whitton pr Ltd 2000 – 2007
Special Adviser, First Minister 1998 – 2000
Director, Media House, 1996 – 98
Head of Public Affairs, Scottish TV 1994-96
Scottish TV, reporter, presenter, producer 1986 – 94
Industrial Editor, Daily Record, 1983 – 86
Industrial Reporter, Daily Record 1981 – 83
Reporter, The Scotsman, 1978 – 81
Journalist, Dundee Courier, Fife Free Press,
Kirkcaldy and Evening Express, Aberdeen 1970 - 78