Jamie Stone MP is a prominent and respected figure in British politics, particularly within the Liberal Democrats. Representing the vast and diverse constituency of Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross since 2017, he has built a reputation for being an outspoken advocate for rural communities, social justice, and accessible public services. With a political career that spans both the Scottish Parliament and Westminster, Jamie Stone’s journey is one of unwavering commitment to the people he serves.
Early Life and Education
Jamie Stone was born on 16 June 1954 in Edinburgh but has long been associated with the Highlands of Scotland. He was raised in a region where local issues like rural development, connectivity, and crofting weren’t just political talking points—they were daily realities.
He attended Tain Royal Academy before progressing to Gordonstoun, one of Scotland’s most renowned independent schools. He later went on to study History and Geology at the University of St Andrews, one of the UK’s oldest and most prestigious academic institutions. This diverse educational background helped shape his broad worldview and keen understanding of socio-political challenges across the UK.
A Multi-Faceted Career Before Politics
Before entering politics, Jamie Stone led a varied professional life. He worked in a family-run cheese business, taught English in Sicily, and even did a stint in the construction and oil industries. These early roles gave him a grounded understanding of working-class life and the economic realities many face—an understanding that continues to inform his political decisions.
Stone also worked as a writer and columnist, contributing to various regional publications. His wit, clarity of thought, and commitment to local affairs made him a familiar name well before he stood for public office.
Stepping into Public Office: Highland Council and Holyrood
Jamie Stone began his political career as a councillor for the Highland Regional Council in the late 1980s. He served his local area diligently, pushing for improvements in infrastructure, education, and healthcare.
In 1999, he took a significant step forward by being elected as the Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross—a seat he would hold until 2011. During his time in Holyrood, Stone was known for his pragmatic approach and strong advocacy for remote communities. He was a consistent voice for investing in the Highlands, ensuring that they weren’t forgotten amidst the centralised policy-making often dominated by the Lowlands.
Elected to Westminster: Representing Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross
In the 2017 General Election, Jamie Stone won the Westminster seat for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross, returning the area to Liberal Democrat representation after years under the Scottish National Party (SNP). His victory was seen as a reflection of his deep local roots and the trust placed in him by his constituents.
Since then, he has been re-elected in both 2019 and 2024, consolidating his position as a dependable voice in Parliament. His success at the polls is often attributed to his visibility, responsiveness, and willingness to engage directly with residents on pressing local matters.
Key Policy Interests and Parliamentary Roles
Jamie Stone MP has been involved in several key areas of policy since his arrival at Westminster:
Rural Connectivity and Infrastructure
A major concern for his largely rural constituency is access to reliable broadband and transport. Stone has frequently raised the issue of digital exclusion in the House of Commons, making the case that modern infrastructure is essential for economic resilience, education, and social inclusion in remote areas.
Defence and Armed Forces
Having served as the Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Defence, Jamie Stone has taken a keen interest in the wellbeing of military personnel and veterans. He has advocated for improved housing, mental health support, and post-service employment pathways for armed forces members. His nuanced understanding of the sector has won him respect across party lines.
Cost-of-Living and Energy Justice
Another cornerstone of his parliamentary focus has been the rising cost of living, particularly in energy costs for rural homes reliant on heating oil and solid fuel. He has been a vocal supporter of targeted assistance for such households, ensuring policies don’t neglect those outside urban gas networks.
Health and Social Care
In both Holyrood and Westminster, Stone has shown a sustained commitment to improving healthcare access. He supports expanding GP services in rural areas, enhancing ambulance response times, and investing in local hospitals to prevent service centralisation in cities.
Digital and Cultural Policy
Between 2022 and 2024, Jamie Stone held the role of Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. He worked on issues ranging from online safety and cyberbullying to promoting the creative industries as drivers of economic and cultural value.
Community Engagement and Recognition
Jamie Stone MP is known for his relentless focus on constituency work. He splits his time between offices in Tain and Wick, and is regularly seen attending community events, listening sessions, and local business forums. He believes in maintaining a strong physical presence, despite the logistical challenges posed by representing one of the UK’s largest constituencies geographically.
In recognition of his work, he was named “Other Party MP of the Year” in 2022 by the Patchwork Foundation, which commended his accessibility, communication, and efforts to bridge the gap between Westminster and the Highlands.
Legislative Contributions and Campaigning
Stone has introduced several Private Members’ Bills aimed at improving fairness and equity for his constituents. One notable example is the Goods Delivery Services Bill, which aimed to cap excessive delivery charges to remote parts of the UK. He has also lobbied for the establishment of a Rural Health and Social Care Bill, advocating for services tailored to the distinct needs of isolated communities.
Additionally, Jamie Stone has campaigned for the development of the Sutherland Spaceport, seeing it as a means of economic regeneration and job creation for the area. His balanced approach to innovation and sustainability has brought credibility to the project on both local and national platforms.
Personal Traits and Interests
What makes Jamie Stone stand out is not just his policy expertise, but his personality. He is often described as affable, witty, and deeply empathetic. A talented fiddle player and enthusiastic amateur actor (known for playing the Panto Dame in community theatre), Stone’s connection to the arts is both personal and political.
He is married with children and is known to prioritise family life, gardening, and Highland traditions in his downtime. His authenticity and relatability endear him to voters across age groups and political affiliations.
Challenges and Resilience
Like any seasoned politician, Jamie Stone MP has faced political challenges. From navigating the complexities of Brexit in a Remain-leaning constituency to advocating for Liberal Democrat values during periods of low national polling, he has demonstrated resilience and consistency.
He has also faced health issues and the stress that comes with juggling the demands of two parliamentary systems (Scottish and UK). Nevertheless, he remains steadfast in his mission to give a voice to the Highlands and to push back against the centralisation of power.
Conclusion: A Steadfast Advocate for the North
Jamie Stone MP is a prime example of how a grounded, authentic, and dedicated public servant can have a real impact in politics. Representing a unique part of the country, his ability to bridge local concerns with national legislation is what makes him one of the most respected Liberal Democrat MPs currently serving in Parliament.
