Hansard

I am pleased to speak on behalf of the Scottish Conservatives about the appointment of Ben Macpherson as Minister for Higher and Further Education. For many people in Edinburgh, Ben first came to our attention in the summer of 2004, when he walked from Edinburgh to London to raise awareness of the annual international day of peace. After the events of the past week, perhaps the Government could, indeed, do with the qualities of spreading peace and love, which I know Mr Macpherson will bring to the role.

Those who follow politics will know that two notable ministers decided to leave the Scottish Government under Humza Yousaf in March 2023—Ben Macpherson and the First Minister—so it is not surprising that both have returned to the Government.

In 2016, I was elected alongside Ben Macpherson to represent constituents in Edinburgh. I know that members across the chamber have always recognised him as a good friend, and he is an MSP who is both respected and rated by all in the chamber.

I am sure that Ben, as a proud George Heriot’s boy, will be at the forefront of making the case in the Scottish Government for continued support for our independent schools in Edinburgh.

Ben Macpherson is a keen supporter of apprentices. Members might not know this, but he served his own apprenticeship in his youth, when he was involved in the Edinburgh Labour Party and did work experience with the local MSP for Edinburgh Northern and Leith, Malcolm Chisholm. Like all good apprentices, he decided to do what many do and went on to take his job in 2016.

As the First Minister has stated, Ben Macpherson returns to the Government with significant ministerial experience. On a personal note, I hope that this will, indeed, be his last junior ministerial apprenticeship. The Conservatives wish him well in his role in the Government.