An MSP described as a “fearless champion” of the Highlands and islands has decided to bring the curtain down on her Holyrood career that has spanned nearly 20 years.
Conservative Mary Scanlon, who was first elected in 1999, said she would miss the “cut and thrust of politics” but was retiring to spend more time with her family.
The MSP’s granddaughter’s Alba, 8, has undergone chemotherapy treatment for leukaemia over the last two years which she said “brought home the precious time we have with our families as they grow up”.
Ms Scanlon is the party’s spokeswoman for education and deputy convener of the Scottish Parliament’s public audit committee – a position she has used to forensically question NHS Highland bosses over the running of the board.
The 68-year-old was re-elected in 2003, 2007 and 2011 but spent a year out of parliament after losing the Moray by-election in 2006 which was triggered by the death of SNP MSP Margaret Ewing.
The Tory MSP, who lost out to Richard Lochhead, said: “It was a great honour to be one of the 1999 intakes of MSPs – this was a historic occasion and a great privilege to be part of it.
“I continue to enjoy every moment in the Scottish Parliament and intend to work right up to next year’s election representing the issues facing people in the Highlands and islands.”
Ms Scanlon, a former college lecturer who grew up in Dundee, said she was proud of her working class background.
“My father was a farm worker and instilled in us an ethic of hard work,” she added.
“Having left school at 15, I attended evening classes to gain qualifications to get into university as a mature student.
“I deeply believe that if I can be elected as a MSP from my background – a single parent with two children under three years old – then anyone in Scotland can do the same.”
Last year vitriolic e-mails from anti-gay marriage campaigners convinced Ms Scanlon – who was branded godless – to back controversial new legislation to legalise it.
Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson thanked the MSP for her service.
“Mary is a real grafter and a fearless champion of the Highlands and of her beliefs,” she added.
“She has been a great support to me and I will miss her in Holyrood.”