Constituency : Kincardine and Deeside 1991-92
In contrast to the two previous by-elections, Kincardine and Deeside was a genuine Liberal Democrat target seat and Nicol's victory at the second attempt was regarded as a foregone conclusion.
Nicol was educated at Robert Gordon's College, Aberdeen and the University of Aberdeen. He worked for a number of years as a solicitor before moving into corporate finance with Deloittes. He became Scotland's youngest councillor for Grampian Regional Council and headed their Economic and Development Committee between 1986 and 1991.
Nicol was spokesman for small businesses during his brief time in the Commons.
Nicol was defeated in 1992, the Conservatives actually improving their position compared to 1987. The seat was abolished for 1997 when Nicol came second to Labour in Aberdeen South.
Nicol was elected MSP for Aberdeen South in 1999. He was Deputy Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning then Education from 2003. After being re-elected in 2003 he became Minister for Transport. In 2005 he became leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrates as the pro-coalition candidate, easily defeating Mike Rumbles.That also made him Deputy First Leader and Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning. The SNP took power in 2007 and Nicol resigned as party leader the following year to spend more time with his family. He did work with the government on certain policies such as replacing the council tax.
Nicol stood down in 2011 and became Baron Stephen. He also became patron of the Aberdeen Law Project.
He is now 59.
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