The Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity was a junior ministerial post in the Scottish Government. As a result, the minister did not attend the Scottish Cabinet but reported directly to the First Minister of Scotland. The only individual who held the post was Lorna Slater, who was appointed in August 2021 after the Bute House Agreement.
History The office was created in August 2021 alongside the Minister for Zero Carbon Buildings, Active Travel and Tenants’ Rights after the Scottish Government agreed a power-sharing deal with the Scottish Green Party. Following the dissolution of the Bute House Agreement on 25 April 2024 the post was abolished.
Overview
Responsibilities The specific responsibilities of the minister were:
Green Industrial Strategy green skills circular economy Zero Waste Scotland nature recovery targets NatureScot biodiversity (along with the Minister for Environment, Biodiversity and Land Reform) national parks and natural heritage plant health Serving as a member of Cabinet Sub-Committee on Climate Emergency
List of office holders Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity NamePortraitAssumed officeLeft officePartyFirst Minister Lorna Slater30 August 202125 April 2024Scottish Green PartyNicola SturgeonHumza Yousaf Minister for Climate Action NamePortraitAssumed officeLeft officePartyFirst Minister Alasdair AllanJuly 2024June 2025Scottish National PartyJohn Swinney
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