Ministerial changes

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced two changes to her Ministerial team.

Jenny Gilruth will take on the Transport portfolio with immediate effect, overseeing a range of policy areas including the upcoming transfer of Scotland’s railways into public hands, reducing carbon emissions from our transport network and delivering new ferries for our island communities. As a member of the Net Zero portfolio,  she will play a key role in ensuring Scotland meets our climate targets.  

Neil Gray MSP will join the Scottish Government as Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development subject to Parliamentary approval. Working with the Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution he will lead on major events, the creative industries and international development.

The First Minister said:

“The appointment of Jenny Gilruth as Transport Minister and Neil Gray as Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development is a vote of confidence in a new generation of ministerial talent.

“Jenny has proven herself to be an effective representative for Scotland and has championed Scotland’s cultural sector through difficult times.   

“Neil has shown real promise as Convener of the Social Justice and Social Security committee in his short time in Holyrood and I know he will bring the drive, passion and determination he has shown in parliament into government.

Ms Gilruth said:

“The transport portfolio is an exciting opportunity to not just shape the infrastructure of our country but to also help Scotland become a world leader in achieving our goal to become net zero by 2045.

“It has been a privilege to work with our international and cultural community over the last few years and I am looking forward to this new challenge.

“A lot of great work is already underway and I look forward to leading a low carbon revolution across Scotland’s transport system.”

Mr Gray said:

“It is an honour to be asked to join the Scottish Government.

“I look forward to building on the great work of my predecessor by further strengthening our relations across the globe and supporting the creative industries as they set out to recover from some of the hardest years for the sector in recent memory.”

Background

New Ministerial Appointments are subject to formal confirmation and acceptance by Parliament and Her Majesty the Queen.

Responsibilities

Minister for Transport

Supports the Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport.

Specific responsibilities are: 

• public transport
• decarbonising public transport
• ferry services – inc. CMAL
• low-carbon transport and infrastructure
• roads and road safety
• motorways and trunk roads
• Future Transport Fund
• transport information
• Scottish Canals
• freight industry
• Islands Connectivity Plan
• maritime policy including ports and canals
• aviation and air services (including HIAL)
• Forth and Tay Bridge authorities
• Transport and Travel strategy
• rail services
• concessionary fares and bus services

Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development

Supports the Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, External Affairs and Culture.

Specific responsibilities are:

• support for European and external relations
• international development
• major events
• creative industries
• Scotland Touring Fund for Theatre and Music
• Youth Music Initiative
• Creative Scotland and other arts
• cultural collections
• major events and themed years
• National Towns of Culture
• Historic Environment Scotland
• national performing companies
• youth national performing companies
• Fair Trade
• architecture, place and built heritage