Gillian Martin handed key Scotland rural affairs role

First minister John Swinney has appointed Gillian Martin as Scotland’s new cabinet secretary for climate action and rural affairs.

Ms Martin replaces Mairi Gougeon following her departure from frontline politics ahead of the 2026 Scottish Parliament election.

The appointment forms part of a reshaped and streamlined Scottish government unveiled by Mr Swinney after the SNP secured a historic fifth consecutive term in office at Holyrood.

See also: Scottish farmers seek funding clarity after SNP minority win

Ms Martin will oversee climate action and rural affairs in a merged portfolio designed to align Scotland’s environmental ambitions with support for rural communities, agriculture and island economies.

Her expanded remit is expected to give her a significant role in overseeing Scotland’s agricultural transition, including the implementation of the government’s four-tier support framework aimed at linking future farm payments to climate, biodiversity and food production outcomes.

Gillian Martin © Scottish Government

Fairlie stays in role

Under the new cabinet structure, Ms Martin will work alongside junior minister Jim Fairlie, who takes responsibility for agriculture, marine and the islands.

Confirming her new role, Ms Martin wrote on LinkedIn: “Delighted to be asked by the first minister to take on rural affairs in addition to my former responsibilities for climate action.

“Looking forward to getting on with it and to work with my junior minister Jim Fairlie who has responsibility for agriculture, marine and islands.”

Ms Martin, the MSP for Aberdeenshire East since 2016, previously served as minister for climate action and earlier held the role of acting cabinet secretary for net zero and energy.

Her promotion places one of the SNP’s most experienced energy and climate figures at the centre of the government’s rural and environmental agenda.

Her return to cabinet was welcomed by SNP Westminster colleague Seamus Logan, who praised Ms Martin as a “hard-working and diligent MSP” with a strong record on delivery and advocacy for north-east Scotland.

Mr Logan said: “I am sure she will bring the same energy and commitment to this new remit, as we continue the important transition to net zero and supporting rural communities during these challenging economic times.”

Despite criticism from political opponents over comments she made in Parliament concerning the proposed Kintore to Tealing overhead power line development – remarks for which she later apologised and said had been misunderstood – Ms Martin retained support in Aberdeenshire East during the recent election.

Close-run contest

She was re-elected for the SNP after securing 33.4% of the vote, finishing ahead of Scottish Conservative candidate Douglas Lumsden on 30.7%, although her vote share was down 11.3% compared with the previous Holyrood election.

Parliament is expected to formally approve the cabinet appointments later this week, after which the list will be submitted for Royal assent by King Charles.