Cabinet promotion for Strathspey MSP

Strathspey MSP Fergus Ewing has been given extra responsibilities in the new Scottish Government.

His new designation is that of Cabinet Secretary for the Rural Economy and Connectivity.

The portfolio includes rural Scotland, Highland and Islands Enterprise, agriculture, foresetry, fisheries, aquaculture, food and drink, crofting, transport and connectivity including “100 per cent broadband”.

His appointment has been welcomed by the strath’s MP Drew Hendry: “Fergus Ewing has already proven to be a highly effective Minister and I am delighted he has been promoted.

“During his tenure as Business, Energy and Tourism Minister he always showed a great ability to work with others to deliver successful outcomes both locally and for Scotland, exemplified in his recent work to save Steel production in Scotland.

“This appointment is very good news for Scotland and even better news for the Highlands. Indeed it underlines the First Minister’s ambitious commitment to put connectivity at the heart of Government for all of Scotland - rural and urban.

“I am pleased that I will not only have the pleasure of sharing a constituency with Fergus but given our similar portfolios on Transport and connectivity there will be a greater opportunity to work closely together as stronger voice for Scotland.”

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has made enhancing Scotland’s education system and improving opportunities for young people the top priority of her new Cabinet team, handing responsibility for the portfolio to her longest serving Cabinet Secretary, John Swinney.

Mr Swinney, who has served as Finance Secretary for nine years, will take forward the Scottish Government’s ambitious education programme, with a focus on closing the attainment gap and widening access to higher and further education for those from deprived backgrounds.

Mr Swinney will continue to serve as Deputy First Minister and will have responsibility for public sector reform across government.

The new cabinet comprises:

First Minister: Nicola Sturgeon MSP

Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills: John Swinney MSP

Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Constitution: Derek Mackay MSP

.Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport: Shona Robison MSP

Cabinet Secretary for the Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform: Roseanna Cunningham MSP

Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs: Fiona Hyslop MSP

Cabinet Secretary for Communities, Social Security and Equalities: Angela Constance MSP

Cabinet Secretary for Justice: Michael Matheson MSP

Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Jobs and Fair Work: Keith Brown MSP

Cabinet Secretary for the Rural Economy and Connectivity: Fergus Ewing MSP

The junior ministerial team will be announced by the First Minister in due course.

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.