Minister for Agriculture, Marine and the Islands
Jim Fairlie was appointed as Minister for Agriculture, Marine and the Islands in May 2026.
Responsibilities
Supports the Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Rural Affairs.
- agriculture policy and strategy
- allotments and community food growing
- animal health and welfare
- wildlife management and crime
- cross government co-ordination on islands
- fisheries and aquaculture
- marine operations, science and compliance
- physical and marine environment, national and regional marine planning
- forestry and woodlands, including Forestry and Land Scotland and Scottish Forestry
- plant health
- crofting
- land-based learning
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.