Colin Beattie
Colin Beattie | |
|---|---|
| Born | October 17, 1951 Scotland |
| Occupation | Politician |
| Years active | 2007–present |
| Known for | Member of the Scottish Parliament for Midlothian North and Musselburgh since 2011; SNP National Treasurer |
| Spouse | Lisa Beattie |
Colin Beattie (born 17 October 1951) is a politician affiliated with the Scottish National Party (SNP), currently representing the Midlothian North and Musselburgh constituency as a Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) since 2011. Prior to this role, he served as an SNP councillor and led the party group on Midlothian Council.
Early career
Before entering politics, Beattie dedicated 23 years to working as an international banker across regions including the Middle East and Asia. He later returned to Scotland accompanied by his wife, Lisa.
Political career
In 2006, Beattie opted for early retirement to focus on securing a position in local government. He was elected as a councillor for Midlothian South in 2007 and took on the role of SNP group leader. At the 2011 Scottish Parliament election, he won the newly established seat of Midlothian North and Musselburgh with a margin close to 3,000 votes, which expanded to over 7,000 by 2016. From 2004 until his defeat in 2020 by Douglas Chapman, Beattie held the post of SNP National Treasurer. Following Chapman's resignation in 2021 amid internal party difficulties, Beattie reassumed the treasurer position.
Beattie was selected without opposition for the 2021 election and successfully defended his seat with an increased majority of 7,906 votes. In 2013, the Standards Commission formally reprimanded him for neglecting to declare a property interest during his tenure as a councillor.
During the police inquiry into SNP financial matters known as Operation Branchform in 2023, Beattie was taken into custody but subsequently released without any charges. Shortly thereafter, he stepped down from his role as SNP treasurer.
Personal life
He is married to Lisa Beattie, who previously served as leader of Midlothian Council. The couple lives in Dalkeith, Midlothian.