Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport
Stephen Flynn was appointed Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport in May 2026.
Responsibilities
Economy
- economic policy and prosperity
- business, industry, manufacturing support and entrepreneurship
- labour market strategy
- green industrial strategy
- Scottish National Investment Bank
- Office of the Chief Economic Adviser
- enterprise agencies
- inward investment and global capital investment
- engagement with UK government on Shared Funds
- government investments (Prestwick, Fergusons, BiFab)
- City Region Deals and Regional Growth Deals
- retail policy
- tourism policy, strategy and support
- food and drink policy, strategy and support
- Food Standards Scotland
Transport
- national transport strategy, infrastructure improvements, and strategic projects
- Transport Scotland and transport bodies
- public transport policy
- ferry services
- decarbonisation and just transition of transport including reduction on car miles
- rail services
- freight industry
- bus services and concessionary fares
- island connectivity
- roads, road safety and low emission zones
- transport resilience and major events
- maritime policy and ports
- accessible transport
- Traffic Scotland, transport data, and information systems
- aviation and air services (including HIAL)
- active travel including cycling infrastructure
- Scottish Canals
Supporting Ministers
Biography
Stephen Flynn was born in Dundee. He studied history and politics at the University of Dundee before being elected to Aberdeen City Council in 2015.
Mr Flynn represented Aberdeen South in the UK Parliament for more than 6 years, and was elected as MSP for Aberdeen Deeside and North Kincardine in 2026.
He is an avid Dundee United fan.
- Read more about Stephen Flynn on the Scottish Parliament website.