A FRENCHMAN may become the first Gallic member of the Scottish Parliament.
Businessman Christian Allard, who made his home in the north-east of Scotland 20 years ago, is poised to become a list MSP following a by-election caused by the death of SNP stalwart and Aberdeen Donside MSP Brian Adam.
Current regional north-east list MSP Mark McDonald is tipped to stand as the candidate in Mr Adam's seat after the date for the poll is named today. He would have to resign his current seat and that would trigger his automatic replacement by Mr Allard, who attended university in Dijon.
He came to Scotland 20 years ago and set up business as a seafood exporter before becoming interested in Scottish politics.
He has been an aide to Dennis Robertson, the Parliament's only blind MSP, and is said to be extremely popular within the party.
"He has lived in Scotland for roughly 20 years," said a party source. "He is quite a character, an entertaining chap."
Mr McDonald's main claim to fame has been advancing the Member's Bill on high hedges but the party hierarchy has made clear he is destined for greater things.
Educated at Dyce Academy and at Dundee and Aberdeen universities, he became an assistant to a number of MSPs in the region and served as a councillor for his home area.
The by-election to replace the late SNP MSP Brian Adam will be held on Thursday June 20.
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