David McDonald

David leads our advocacy work as Senior Advocacy and Public Affairs Manager. David brings a breadth of experience to his role, shaped by a career spanning community development, education, politics, and cultural leadership.

He began his working life in community learning and youth work before spending 15 years in elected office, serving as Depute Leader of Scotland’s largest local authority. During this time, he championed the role of culture and heritage and inclusive policy making at both city and national level.

Since stepping down from politics, David has worked across the third and cultural sectors in Scotland and Europe, with a focus on advocacy, strategic partnerships, and democratic engagement.

Based in Glasgow, he is a Trustee of Glasgow Film Theatre and Chairperson of the Friends of Crookston Castle, supporting community archaeology, history, conservation, and public events at the city’s only surviving medieval castle.

David is a regular walker, a keen football fan and enjoys travelling and discovering new places. He is passionate about widening access to culture and heritage and believes in the power of local voices to shape national change.