Inverness and Nairn MSP Fergus Ewing is out of the cabinet in the post-election reshuffle, he has been replaced by Mairi Gougeon
The long-serving MSP for Inverness and Nairn Fergus Ewing is no longer a member of the Scottish Cabinet.
Mr Ewing had served in the cabinet in several cabinet roles going back to 2007, most recently as cabinet secretary for rural economy and tourism since 2016.
Before that he had been the minister for business, energy and tourism between 2011 and 2016 and for the four years prior to that he was minister for community safety.
He was not the only veteran MSP and minister to depart the cabinet today – Fiona Hyslop, previously the cabinet secretary for culture and the economy also left.
First Nicola Sturgeon said: “I want to pay tribute to the work of both Fiona Hyslop and Fergus Ewing and to thank them for their unstinting public service over many years.
“Fergus has been part of the ministerial team since 2007, and has brought diligence and endeavour to all of the jobs he has held.
“In particular, he has worked tirelessly with and on behalf of Scotland’s rural sector over the past five years since the Brexit vote, fighting their corner at every turn.
“Fergus has been a champion for Scotland’s farmers and crofters during one of the most difficult, challenging and uncertain periods our agricultural sector has ever faced, and he has the gratitude of many in the industry for his efforts to protect their interests.
“I want to offer my sincere thanks to Fiona and Fergus for their service, and wish them well as they continue to serve their constituents in the new parliament.”
Currently, the cabinet secretary for finance and Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch MSP Kate Forbes is in Bute House meeting the First Minister.
Ms Forbes is expected to retain a role in cabinet but it is thought she may move on from finance.
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