Rt Hon Brian Wilson CBE
Brian Wilson has had three careers – as a journalist, a politician and in business.
He served as a Labour MP for 18 years and held five Ministerial posts under Tony Blair including UK Trade Minister and UK Energy Minister. He has continued to take an interest in trade issues, is a member of the UK Board of Trade and wrote an influential report on Scottish exporting for the Scotland Office.
He was founding editor of the West Highland Free Press, based on the Isle of Skye and had a 40 year association with the paper. Currently, he contributes to several publications including the Scotsman, Press & Journal (on energy) and Guardian. Since leaving politics in 2005, he has been a director of Celtic Football Club and wrote the club’s official history, with occasional updates!
Brian, who grew up in Argyll, now lives on Isle of Lewis in his wife Joni’s native village of Mangersta. Their move to the island coincided with a crisis in the Harris Tweed industry and Brian was asked to help. The result was the formation of Harris Tweed Hebrides Ltd which has been credited with leading the industry’s revival. In 2012, Brian was named UK Global Director of the Year by the Institute of Directors. He was made a CBE in the New Year honours list for services to business and charity in Scotland.