EU Directorate, Director
Martin Johnson was appointed as Director for Culture and External Affairs Directorate in April 2026. Martin is also the Director for European Directorate, previously he worked as a Deputy Director in the same Directorate.
Responsibilities
The EU Director leads the Scotland House Brussels and is Scotland’s most senior diplomatic position overseas.
Key responsibilities include:
- advising Ministers on the latest EU developments
- enhancing Scotland’s reputation in the EU
- relationships and networks in the EU
- promoting Scotland’s economic and policy interests and ensuring Scotland House acts as a hub for promoting all aspects of Scotland, including Scottish culture
Biography
Prior to joining Scottish Government Martin spent some time working for the United Kingdom Government. His previous roles with the UK Government include:
- various roles, including Deputy Director in High Speed Rail Funding and Finance
- Senior Economic and Environment Policy Advisor in the Civil Aviation Authority
- several roles in HM Treasury
Prior to joining the UK Government, Martin taught English to speakers of other languages in Krakow, Lisbon, Edinburgh and Cambridge.
Martin has a degree in Scottish Historical Studies from Edinburgh University and as well as a MSc in Public Services Management from Birmingham University.