Alyn Smith named as innovation minister

Alyn Smith has been appointed as the new Minister for Innovation, Technology and Tertiary Education.

The MSP succeeds Ben Macpherson, who resigned last week saying he wanted “more time to be able to attend to other important pressures, people and purposes, including my mental and physical well-being”.

Smith became an MSP for the first time in May, though he was an MP between 2019 and 2024. He was also previously a Member of the European Parliament.

Making the appointment, First Minister John 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.”

Smith will work under education secretary Mairi McAllan.

He will oversee the ongoing reviews of college and university funding and sustainability. A report last week found a £200m gap in higher education funding.

He will also have responsibility for AI policy and strategy, youth work, adult education and community learning.