Given the new responsibilities for Ms McAllan, part of her previous brief – on the green economy – will pass to Richard Lochhead MSP. However, the First Minister took the opportunity to update Richard Lochhead’s Ministerial title to Minister for Small Business, Innovation, Tourism and Trade.
At the time of the formation of the First Minister’s Cabinet back in March 2023, the ASSC took the lead in expressing concern that the lack of a dedicated Tourism Minister, following the departure of Ivan McKee MSP, was highly perplexing given the myriad of challenges facing the sector.
Fiona Campbell, CEO of the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers, said:
“We are pleased that the First Minister has restored Tourism to its rightful place at Ministerial level. For an industry which contributes immensely to our country, it should always be a priority and not an oversight. We look forward to engaging with the Tourism Minister in the weeks ahead on supporting Scotland’s £867m self-catering industry.
“The ASSC also congratulates Fiona Hyslop on her return to government and hope that her considerable experience can help with the challenges surrounding ferry services to island communities to which so many small businesses depend.”