Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity

Responsibilities

Supports the Cabinet Secretary for Transport and Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands.

Specific responsibilities are:

Rural

• agriculture
• allotments and community food growing
• animal health and welfare
• crofting
• natural resources and peatland
• plant health
• rural portfolio impacts of Brexit and Retained EU Law Act
• wildlife management and crime

Transport

• aviation and air services (including Highland and Islands Airports Limited)
• bus services and concessionary fares
• island connectivity
• Scottish Canals

Biography

Jim Fairlie was born in Perth and has lived and worked in the area all his life.  He began his career as a shepherd before becoming a hill farmer. He built a successful food and events-based catering business and has extensive experience in urban and rural affairs. He was elected to represent Perthshire South and Kinross-shire at the 2021 Scottish Parliament election.

He was appointed Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity in February 2024.

Read more about Jim Fairlie on the Scottish Parliament website.