Màiri McAllan has been named Scotland’s cabinet secretary for education, culture and Gaelic.
A reshuffle this week saw first minister John Swinney reduce the size of his cabinet from 12 to nine members and merge culture and education under one brief.
McAllan succeeds Angus Robertson, who served as the cabinet secretary for the constitution, external affairs and culture between 2021 and 2026.
Robertson is no longer in government after losing his seat in the Scottish parliamentary election on 7 May. The poll saw the Scottish National Party (SNP) win its fifth consecutive election but fall short of an overall majority.
McAllan was elected as member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) for Clydesdale in 2021. She joined the cabinet in 2023 under former first minister Humza Yousef, becoming cabinet secretary for transport, net zero and just transition.
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After returning from maternity leave in June 2025, McAllan was appointed to the newly created position of housing secretary.
Before entering politics, McAllan co-founded the human rights organisation RebLaw Scotland, the Scottish arm of the “rebellious lawyering” social justice movement.
She previously worked as a corporate lawyer specialising in energy and natural resources, and was a voluntary director of East Ayrshire's Women's Aid.
Following her appointment, McAllan posted: “What an honour to be asked to serve as Scotland’s cabinet secretary for education, culture and Gaelic – a precious combination of our nation’s past and future.
“These areas are very close to my heart. I will treat them with great care, listen carefully to those in the sectors and work hard to build progress and success.
“I can’t wait to get to work in the service of Scotland and, always, for my constituents in Clydesdale.”
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Museum sector bodies have welcomed McAllan’s appointment.
Sharon Heal, the director of the Museums Association, said: “We congratulate Màiri McAllan on her appointment as cabinet secretary for education, culture and Gaelic.
“We look forward to working with the cabinet secretary to raise the profile of how museums are working with communities on major issues such as inequality and climate change and to advocate for our sector to be valued, invested in and supported to thrive.”
A post from the arm’s-length body Museums Galleries Scotland said: “Mealaibh ur naidheachd! Congratulations to Màiri McAllan MSP on your appointment as Cabinet Secretary for Education, Culture and Gaelic. We look forward to early engagement and working with you to support Scotland’s museums and galleries to thrive.”
By the end of the next parliament, the SNP has committed to developing a new culture and arts bill, as well as piloting a minimum income scheme for Scottish artists.