SCOTLAND’S new First Minister Humza Yousaf has announced his cabinet appointments, with Shona Robison taking on the Finance brief as well as being confirmed as Deputy First Minister.
Michael Matheson becomes Health Secretary, Jenny Gilruth takes Education and Angela Constance is appointed Justice and Home Affairs Secretary.
READ MORE: Police in Borders continue to target drug dealers
Mairi McAllan becomes the second youngest member to be appointed to a Scottish cabinet as Net Zero and Just Transition Secretary.
Neil Gray is appointed Secretary for Wellbeing Economy, Fair Work and Energy.
Mairi Gougeon and Angus Robertson both remain in post as Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands and Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture, respectively.
Shirley-Anne Somerville becomes Secretary for Social Justice.
READ MORE: Witness appeal after youth commits sex act on train
Announcing his cabinet appointments, First Minister Humza Yousaf said: “The cabinet team I have unveiled reflects the priorities that we will pursue as a government – including tackling child poverty, improving public services and building a fairer, greener economy.
“Ahead of my appointment as First Minister, I have committed myself to a radical, ambitious and progressive policy agenda for Scotland – and I know that this team is the right one to deliver it.
“I want to thank those ministers departing government for their leadership over the last few years, through many storms not of our making – the economic damage caused by Brexit, the Covid-19 pandemic, austerity and the cost-of-living crisis.
READ MORE: Latest round of Covid-19 booster vaccines start this week
“Those ministers – led so ably by Nicola Sturgeon and John Swinney – leave a strong legacy for the new team to build on.
“I have made clear my belief Scotland’s government should look as much as possible like the people we represent. As well as being the first-ever First Minister from a minority ethnic background, I am pleased that a record number of women have agreed to serve, as well as a significant blend of younger and more experienced members.
"That said, every single appointment has been made on merit.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here