The Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Rural Affairs is a Scottish Government Cabinet position with responsibility for the Net Zero and environmental policy of Scotland. The incumbent is Gillian Martin who has held the environmental brief since June 2025. She also previously served as Acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy while her predecessor Mairi McAllan was on maternity leave between July 2024 and June 2025.
History The role was first titled Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport, with the initial holder being Michael Matheson, who was appointed in June 2018 following a reshuffle of the Second Sturgeon government.
Following the formation of the First Yousaf government in March 2023, the Net Zero and Energy role was divided. Màiri McAllan was appointed Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Just Transition, whilst Neil Gray was appointed Cabinet Secretary for Wellbeing Economy, Fair Work and Energy. In June 2023, McAllan's title was retitled as Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Net Zero and Just Transition.
After the February 2024 reshuffle of Yousaf's government the role was merged with the Economy portfolio, to create the Cabinet Secretary for Wellbeing Economy, Net Zero and Energy.
In May 2024, John Swinney renamed the role as Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy in his government with Màiri McAllan appointed to the role. Between July 2024 and June 2025 Gillian Martin served as Acting Cabinet Secretary while McAllan was on maternity leave.
In June 2025, the role was renamed again to Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy and Martin was appointed to the role. In May 2026 the role was retitled Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Rural Affairs.
Responsibilities The Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Rural Affairs is responsible for the following policy areas:
Climate action Cross government co-ordination of Net Zero policy Climate crisis and environmental protection Environmental and climate justice and international climate change Environmental quality Sustainable development Flood prevention and coastal erosion Drinking water quality and water supply Hydronation Circular economy Emissions Trading Schemes Deposit return and waste issues Green Growth Accelerator Nature recovery targets Biodiversity and endangered species
Rural affairs Rural policy and strategy Land reform and land use Natural resources and peatland National parks and natural heritage
Public bodies The following public bodies report to the cabinet secretary: Cairngorms National Park Authority Crown Estate Scotland Drinking Water Quality Regulator for Scotland Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority NatureScot Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Scottish Environment Protection Agency Scottish Land Commission Scottish Water Zero Waste Scotland
List of officeholders
As is typical of Scottish government roles, the Climate Action and Energy portfolio has gone through many iterations since its inception. The incumbent minister is Gillian Martin.
NamePortraitEntered officeLeft officePartyFirst Minister Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport Michael Matheson 20 May 2021 29 March 2023 Scottish National Party Nicola SturgeonCabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Just Transition Màiri McAllan29 March 202313 June 2023Scottish National Party Humza YousafCabinet Secretary for Transport, Net Zero and Just Transition Màiri McAllan13 June 20238 February 2024Scottish National Party Humza YousafCabinet Secretary for Wellbeing Economy, Net Zero and Energy Màiri McAllan8 February 20248 May 2024Scottish National Party Humza YousafCabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy Màiri McAllan8 May 202411 June 2025Scottish National Party John SwinneyCabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy Gillian Martin11 June 202520 May 2026Scottish National Party John SwinneyCabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Rural Affairs Gillian Martin20 May 2026IncumbentScottish National Party John Swinney
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