Director of Culture and External Affairs
Martin Johnson was appointed as Director for Culture and External Affairs Directorate in April 2026.
Responsibilities
The Director for Culture and External Affairs overseas the work of the various divisions. He also chairs the Scottish Government’s EU Board, and Population Programme Boards and acts as the Senior Civil Service Champion of the Scottish Government’s EU Nationals Network.
Key responsibilities include:
- advising Ministers on how best to support our culture sector, as an integral part of Scotland’s economy and society
- advising Ministers on our international approach and the latest EU and international developments
- enhancing Scotland’s reputation internationally
- promoting Scotland’s economic and policy interests and the links between Scotland’s culture and international work
Biography
Martin began his career in the UK civil service in 2001, and has worked for HM Treasury, the Civil Aviation Authority, the Department for Transport and the Department for Exiting the European Union.
Martin joined the Scottish Government in November 2019 as Deputy Director, Brussels, before taking on the role of EU Director from April 2021 to August 2026.
Martin is from Edinburgh and has a degree (MA Hons) in Scottish Historical Studies from Edinburgh University and an MSc in Public Service Management from Birmingham University. Prior to his civil service career, he taught English in Poland and Portugal.