The Herald reports that David Bateman has resigned to pursue “new opportunities” and that it was the “right time” for him to “move on”.
Bateman, who was previously head of media for the party, has been a senior adviser to the Scottish Tories since September 2024.
It comes after a raft of Scottish Tory politicians, including councillors, an MSP and a member of the House of Lords, have jumped ship and defected to Nigel Farage‘s Reform UK.
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Reform have been repeatedly predicted to cut into the Scottish Tory vote at the election in May.
Bateman said in a statement: “I have decided it is the right time for me to move on.
“I look forward to taking on new challenges and pursuing new opportunities. I wish Russell and the party well.”
Magnus Gardham, who has previously served as special adviser to Tory Scottish secretaries Alister Jack and David Mundell, is set to replace Bateman in the role.
Gardham is a former adviser to Alister Jack, who is now a member of the Lords (Image: House of Lords)
Gardham was previously the former political editor of The Herald and Daily Record.
He said: “I’m excited to be joining Russell and the Scottish Conservatives ahead of what is a crucial election in May.
“I look forward to getting down to work.”
Findlay added: “I’m delighted to welcome Magnus to my team. He is a highly experienced and respected figure who will play a key role in the run-up to the election.
“I’d also like to thank David for his service and wish him all the best for the future.”
It comes after Findlay launched his party’s Holyrood 2026 election campaign by stating that Scotland’s unofficial national anthem – Flower of Scotland – is “maximum Scottish cringe” and should be replaced.
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Findlay also said recently that it had never been more important to be a Unionist.
“In terms of the Unionist part, we are the only wholly convincing party of the Union,” he claimed.
“Taking Reform UK, they purport to be a pro-union party, but I don’t think Nigel Farage could care less about the union – Nigel Farage cares about Nigel Farage.
“He fielded pro-independence candidates in the general election.”