He began his journalistic career with D. C. Thomson in 1970 before moving to the Fife Free Press and then the Evening Express in Aberdeen, specialising in local government activities.

He worked at The Scotsman in Glasgow for three years then moved to the Daily Record where he became Industrial Editor in 1983.

Whitton's time at Scottish Television was followed by a short period as a Director of the PR company, Media House.

Whitton was elected to the Scottish Parliament in May 2007 for the constituency of Strathkelvin and Bearsden becoming Parliamentary Aide to Wendy Alexander MSP until her resignation as party leader on 28 June 2008.

[2] In the SNP landslide victory in the 2011 Scottish Parliament election, he lost his seat to Fiona McLeod, on a swing of 7.7%.