McAllan is Culture Sec
Màiri McAllan appointed CabSec for Culture at Holyrood
Màiri McAllan, the MSP for Clydesdale, will take responsibility for culture in First Minister John Swinney’s new “streamlined” cabinet, announced today, Wednesday 20 May 2026.
McAllan has been appointed to the role of Cabinet Secretary for Education, Culture and Gaelic in a smaller cabinet of nine, rather than 12.
Màiri McAllan takes the oath of allegiance in the Scottish Parliament on May 14 2026. Screengrab from Holyrood TV.
Born in Biggar in 1991, McAllan is a former corporate solicitor. She was first elected to Holyrood in 2021. She was immediately appointed a Minster and held several Cabinet Secretary roles from 2023 until she went on maternity leave in July 2024.
On her return she was appointed Cabinet Secretary for Housing in the June 2025 cabinet reshuffle.
McAllan replaces Angus Robertson, who lost the Edinburgh Central seat in the election, as the cabinet member with responsibility for Culture.
There is a change in emphasis in the new position. Previously Robertson’s role was as Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture.
While Culture certainly fits with Education and Gaelic, Education is likely to be one of the important issues of the new parliament. The commitment to Culture of Swinney’s government will be manifest in who he appoints as minister in the Culture role.
Announcing his Cabinet, Swinney said: “I am immensely proud to appoint this Cabinet with the experience, energy and drive to deliver on the mandate given to us by the people of Scotland. This will be a Scottish Government working for Scotland.
hit the ground running
The new Cabinet of nine, including the First Minister, is down from twelve before the election. Five of its members are women.
“This new team will hit the ground running, delivering major progress on our priorities within the first 100 days, before continuing to deliver on the emphatic mandate given to us by the people of Scotland.
“This team of Cabinet Secretaries will bring experience, drive and a determination to deliver for Scotland – and this government will work harder than ever to repay the trust that people have placed in us.”
The Holyrood parliament will be asked to approve the new Cabinet appointments, including McAllan, on Thursday.
Màiri McAllan links.
Parliamentary webpage: www.parliament.scot.
Facebook here: @MairiMcAllanSNP.
Instagram: @mairimcallansnp.
ENDS
