[2] Robertson was educated at the Royal Blind School in Edinburgh (1968–1974), then studied social work at Langside College (1981–1983).

He was elected to the Scottish Parliament in 2011,[3] after defeating the Liberal Democrat incumbent, Mike Rumbles, by a majority of 4,112 votes.

In 2013 he was involved wit ha consultation looking at legislating to crack down on the fraudulent use of blue disabled badges.

[5] He was elected to Aberdeenshire Council for the Stonehaven and lower Deeside ward.

Their daughter Caroline died in February 2011, from complications arising from anorexia,[7] after Robertson had started election campaigning.