Alyn Smith has been announced as the new Scottish Minister for Innovation, Technology & Tertiary Education, succeeding Ben Macpherson, who stepped down last week.

The appointment is subject to parliamentary agreement and the approval of His Majesty the King.

Smith served as Member of Parliament for Stirling from 2019 to 2024 before being elected as the MSP for Stirling in May 2026.

He studied Law and European Law at the University of Leeds and completed a Masters degree in European Studies at the College of Europe in Warsaw. After working abroad in India and Brussels, he qualified as a lawyer and practised commercial law in London and Edinburgh.

First Minister John Swinney said: “I am very pleased to appoint Alyn Smith as Minister-designate for Innovation, Technology & Tertiary Education.

“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.

“Scotland's future prosperity will be built on the talent of our people, the strength of our universities and colleges, and our ability to turn world-class ideas into jobs, investment and opportunity."