Scottish cabinet reshuffle
THE SCOTTISH Government has appointed a new islands minister and transport secretary following a cabinet reshuffle on Tuesday.
Humza Yousaf, who previously oversaw both the transport and islands portfolios, has been promoted to justice secretary.
Swapping roles, former justice man Michael Matheson is now the cabinet secretary for transport, infrastructure and connectivity.
He will have a number of Shetland related issues to immediately contend with in his new job, from proposed airport car parking charges and the roll-out of cheaper ferry fares to the tendering of the next Northern Isles ferry contract.
Paul Wheelhouse has taken on the new minister for energy, connectivity and the islands post and he will report to Matheson.
The MSP will be tasked with “delivering 100 per cent superfast broadband across Scotland”.
Fergus Ewing will continue as cabinet secretary for the rural economy.
Five new cabinet secretaries have been appointed, with the overall size of the cabinet increasing to 12 to “reflect the increasing impact of Brexit on Scottish Government business”.
Keep Shetland’s news open to everyone
Your membership helps us report the stories that matter to Shetland — and keep them free for everyone to read.