Glenrothes MSP, Jenny Gilruth, has been named as Scotland’s Transport Minister this week, following Graeme Dey’s resignation from the Scottish Government for health-related reasons.
The town’s MSP takes over the transport portfolio at a critical time, with transport a key driver for reaching Scotland’s net-zero ambitions. It has been 20 years since a woman last held the post of Transport Minister. Ms Gilruth has campaigned successfully for local transport projects since her election in 2016, including vital road improvements to the A92 and the re-opening of Leven’s railway which is scheduled for next year.
The local MSP’s previous role as Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development will be filled by Neil Gray MSP, as he joins the Scottish Government for the first time.
Announcing the changes, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said:
“The appointment of Jenny Gilruth as Transport Minister and Neil Gray as Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development is a vote of confidence in a new generation of ministerial talent.
“Jenny has proven herself to be an effective representative for Scotland and has championed Scotland’s cultural sector through difficult times.”
Ms Gilruth said:
“The transport portfolio is an exciting opportunity to not just shape the infrastructure of our country but to also help Scotland become a world leader in achieving our goal to become net zero by 2045.
“It has been a privilege to work with our international and cultural community over the last few years and I am looking forward to this new challenge.
“A lot of great work is already underway and I look forward to leading a low carbon revolution across Scotland’s transport system.”
