Swinney appoints ‘experienced’ Smith as Scottish Government minister

Former SNP MEP and MP Alyn Smith has joined the Scottish Government as the minister for innovation, technology and tertiary education.

The Stirling MSP takes on the role after Ben Macpherson resigned from the post last week, citing health reasons.

First Minister John Swinney said Smith is “one of the most experienced parliamentarians” and has “shown a long-term interest in skills, universities and colleges”.

Smith served several terms at the European Parliament, having been elected as an SNP MEP in 2004 and then returned to the post in 2009, 2014 and 2019.

He left the European Parliament after being elected as the MP for Stirling in 2019, but then lost the seat in the 2024 general election when the SNP’s tally of MPs was cut to nine.

He was then elected to represent the area at Holyrood in the 2026 Scottish election.

Smith’s appointment to the Scottish Government still needs to be confirmed by Holyrood and the King.

Speaking about his choice for the role, Swinney said: “Alyn is one of the most experienced parliamentarians in the UK, having served in both the European and UK parliaments before being elected as an MSP.

“He has broad international experience and has shown long-term interest in skills, universities and colleges.

“Scotland’s future prosperity will be built on the talent of our people, the strength of our universities and colleges, and our ability to turn world-class ideas into jobs, investment and opportunity.

“My new Programme for Government sets out an ambitious agenda for post-school learning and development – from protecting free university tuition, expanding apprenticeships and delivering a new national skills plan, to supporting university research and spin-outs, and connecting business with academic institutions to drive innovation and growth.”

He said Smith would “work closely” with education secretary Mairi McAllan on this agenda, and would be “working across Government with other ministers and in partnership with industry and the education and skills sectors to deliver for Scotland’s people, communities and businesses”.