Thomas Pringle McDonald

Thomas Pringle McDonald QC, was a Scottish lawyer and Liberal Party politician. He was Sheriff of Aberdeen, Kincardine and Banff.

Background

McDonald was born the son of James McDonald. He was educated at George Watson's College and Edinburgh University. In 1930 he married Harriet Selby McDowall. They had one son and two daughters.

Professional career

McDonald was a member of the Scottish bar and became a Scottish King's council in 1948. He was Sheriff of Aberdeen, Kincardine and Banff from 1954-1969.

Political career

McDonald was first active in politics at Edinburgh University where he was President of the Student's Representative Council and President of the University's Liberal Association. He was Liberal candidate for the Edinburgh East division at the 1929 General Election. Edinburgh East had been a Liberal seat until it was lost to Labour in 1924. In that bad election for the party, his predecessor finished third. McDonald was able to overtake the Unionist candidate but unable to defeat the sitting Labour MP. He did not stand for Parliament again.