Cabinet Secretaries Roseanna Cunningham (Environment, Climate Change & Land Reform) and Fergus Ewing (Rural Economy & Connectivity) both retained their senior positions in the Scottish Government after yesterday’s reshuffle, despite strong rumours that one or both would go.
We’re delighted to see Roseanna is still in post.
And as an indication of the importance of the Scottish Government’s Environment portfolio, we’re also pleased to see today’s announcement of a new appointment (subject to Parliamentary approval) – congratulations to Mairi Gougeon for a well-deserved promotion to become Minister for Rural Affairs & Natural Environment.
Having to report to both the Environment Secretary and the Rural Economy Secretary, this looks to be a challenging junior ministerial role, especially given the very apparent divisions between protecting wildlife & the environment and the often selfish financial interests of the game-shooting industry, amongst others. But Mairi Gougeon is no stranger to a challenge – she’s the Species Champion for the Hen Harrier!
Well done, Mairi, we look forward to seeing you continue to speak up for raptors and other protected species.
[Photo from Mairi Gougeon’s twitter feed after a visit to watch hen harriers at an RSPB reserve]
Raptor Persecution UK 
I’ve been impressed by Mairi, a well deserved promotion. I’m very pleased for her and good judgement by Nicola.
Wonderful news. Congratulations Mairi.