Scotland Appoints Ben Macpherson as New Higher Education Minister
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Scotland has appointed Ben Macpherson, MSP for Edinburgh Northern and Leith, as its new minister for higher and further education following a ministerial reshuffle by First Minister John Swinney. Subject to parliamentary approval, Macpherson will succeed Graeme Dey, who will move to the role of minister for parliamentary business and for veterans.
Praising the appointment, Swinney said Macpherson’s “wide experience across a range of policy areas” would bring creative and dynamic leadership to the higher education sector, which he described as vital to both individual lives and Scotland’s economic growth.
Macpherson, who grew up in Edinburgh, studied at the University of York and later at the University of Edinburgh before practising law. He expressed gratitude for rejoining the government and said he looked forward to working “collaboratively, diligently and pro-actively with all involved.”
This is not Macpherson’s first ministerial role. Since 2018, he has served in various portfolios, including Europe, migration and international development; public finance and migration; rural affairs and the natural environment; and social security and local government. He stepped down in 2023 but now returns to government with a renewed focus on education.
The announcement comes at a crucial time for Scotland, which has been intensifying its internationalisation efforts. In February 2024, the government launched its first international education strategy, outlining plans to boost global promotion of universities and colleges. More recently, it appointed Rachel Sandison of the University of Glasgow as trade and investment envoy for international education, tasked with strengthening international partnerships and attracting more students and staff to live, work and study in Scotland.
Macpherson’s appointment signals continuity in the country’s commitment to enhancing its higher education sector while maintaining a strong focus on international engagement.
Source: THE PIE NEWS
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