Shirley Laing

Shirley Laing was appointed Director for Lifelong Learning and Skills in 2024.

Her previous roles have included:

• Director for Tackling Child Poverty and Social Justice
• Director for Housing and Social Justice

Since she joined the civil service (then the Scottish Office) in 1993, Shirley has worked across a range of policy areas including environment and rural, health, education, housing, children and families and the Scottish Prison Service. She has also been private secretary to a cabinet minister.